Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then you absolutely cannot miss this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Every spoonful is like a cozy escape, with flavors that meld beautifully thanks to simple yet soulful ingredients. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a go-to recipe for lazy weekends or whenever you crave something nourishing and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a wonderful example of how straightforward ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. Each component plays a vital role: from the aromatic vegetables and herbs that build the base to the creamy broth and gnocchi that give the soup its luscious texture.

• Yellow onion (1/2 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
• Grated carrots (1 cup): Bring natural sweetness as well as a bright pop of color.
• Celery (3 sticks, sliced): Contributes subtle earthiness and crunch before cooking down.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): The star protein that becomes beautifully tender after slow cooking.
• Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish just right.
• Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): Provides the comforting, savory liquid that carries all flavors.
• Dried garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the garlicky undertone without overpowering.
• Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant herbal note that uplifts the soup.
• Dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle pine-like aroma that pairs perfectly with chicken.
• Fresh garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses a fresh, sharp garlic flavor for extra punch.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the soup; double it if you want a heartier consistency.
• Evaporated milk (1 12-oz can): Creates the creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.
• Gnocchi (1 17.5-oz package): These soft, pillowy dumplings soak up all the flavors and add delightful bite.
• Baby spinach (3 cups): Delivers a fresh, leafy green component that wilts into the soup beautifully.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Layer Your Base

Begin by placing your diced yellow onion, grated carrots, and sliced celery at the bottom of your slow cooker. This combination forms a flavorful bed for the chicken. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then nestle them on top of the veggies. This layering ensures every bite will be rich with veggies and tender chicken.

Step 2: Add Seasoned Broth

In a separate measuring jug, whisk together your chicken broth, dried garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and minced fresh garlic. Pour this fragrant mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot, creating a soup base that’s aromatic and ready to simmer low and slow.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to HIGH for 4-5 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking process gently melds the flavors and results in chicken so tender it falls apart at a touch. Patience here rewards you with deep, comforting taste.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for that lovely texture contrast in the final soup.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Soup

Whisk your cornstarch into the evaporated milk until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the crockpot along with the shredded chicken and gnocchi. Cover the crockpot again and cook on HIGH for an additional 45 minutes. This step thickens the soup and cooks the gnocchi to perfection—a tender, pillowy delight in every spoonful.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Serve

Finally, stir in the baby spinach until it wilts into the soup’s warm embrace. Taste and adjust your seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then ladle into bowls. The result is a bowl full of heartwarming goodness that’s creamy, herby, and packed with texture.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

To elevate your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, consider topping it with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or a few torn basil leaves. A swirl of cream or a dash of chili flakes can also add a lovely touch of richness or heat if desired.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Garlic bread or a simple baguette with a slather of butter can turn this meal into something truly special and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup in rustic mugs or mini soup bowls for a cozy vibe. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables or top the soup with crispy bacon bits or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this soup keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, gnocchi can get a bit mushy once frozen and thawed. To freeze, store the soup without the gnocchi in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened too much, simply add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it. Add fresh spinach during reheating for a quick veggie boost.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts in the crockpot?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Add it during the last 45 minutes with the gnocchi to warm through, skipping the long slow cook of raw chicken.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the evaporated milk for a dairy-free alternative like canned coconut milk or almond milk. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will slightly vary but will still be delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Definitely. Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas to elevate the veggie content and add more flavor and texture variety to your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

How do I ensure the gnocchi doesn’t become too mushy?

Cook the gnocchi in the crockpot during the last 45 minutes only, and avoid leaving leftovers with gnocchi for extended periods to maintain their delicious pillowy texture.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by sautéing the veggies first, then pressure cooking with the chicken and broth. Add gnocchi and thickening ingredients at the end, cooking on sauté mode until gnocchi are tender.

Final Thoughts

If you want a crowd-pleasing, hands-off meal that’s bursting with flavor and utterly comforting, give this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup a try. It’s a cozy, creamy bowl of happiness that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any day you want to feel nurtured and satisfied. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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