Looking for a comforting and hearty meal that requires minimal effort? This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the answer. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. Not only does it boast a creamy texture and rich flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With the slow cooker handling most of the cooking, you can focus on other things while the ingredients meld together into a hearty, flavorful soup. It’s family-friendly, with mild flavors and ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it a go-to dish for a busy weekday dinner.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To make this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Yellow Onion: Adds flavor and aroma to the base of the soup.
• Carrots: Brings a sweet, slightly earthy flavor and vibrant color.
• Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Provides lean protein and is easy to shred.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and vegetables.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• Dried Thyme & Dried Rosemary: Herbs that infuse the soup with earthy, aromatic flavors.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the soup’s savory profile.
• Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, providing richness and depth.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess without the heaviness of regular cream.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the soup.
• Gnocchi: The star of the dish, offering a soft, pillowy texture.
• Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and color while wilting perfectly into the soup.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing an ingredient or need a substitute, here are a few options:
• Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor.
• Evaporated Milk: Half-and-half will give the soup an even silkier texture.
• Gnocchi: If you don’t have gnocchi, you can substitute with small pasta, diced potatoes, or small cheese tortellini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach, though they take longer to wilt.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion, shredding the carrots, and slicing the celery. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then lay them on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Combine the Broth and Spices: In a separate bowl, mix the chicken broth with garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Let it rest for a few minutes if necessary for easy shredding.
- Add the Gnocchi: In a small bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the soup along with the shredded chicken and gnocchi.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 45 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft and the soup has thickened.
- Add the Spinach and Serve: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Sear the Chicken First: For extra flavor, you can quickly brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Shred the Chicken Easily: Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly.
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi during the last 45 minutes of cooking to keep it soft and pillowy.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cornstarch. For a thinner soup, simply stir in extra chicken broth.
• Season Before Serving: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. You can also add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness, or top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper for added depth. For variations, try adding different leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard, or use small pasta in place of gnocchi for a different texture.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers of this soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much. Be mindful that the gnocchi may soften after storing, but it will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly day, this recipe delivers. The slow cooker makes the preparation a breeze, while the combination of chicken, gnocchi, and fresh veggies creates a heartwarming dish that will satisfy everyone.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines ease, flavor, and heartiness all in one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a quick dinner on a busy evening, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you more time to enjoy the cozy, creamy goodness that this dish brings. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and you have a meal that everyone will love. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and flavorful broth, making it a must-try for any soup lover!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They will give the soup a richer, more flavorful taste. The cooking time remains the same, so you can follow the recipe as written.
2. Can I make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this soup in advance, but don’t add the gnocchi or spinach until you’re ready to serve. Allow the soup to cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add the gnocchi and spinach to avoid overcooking them.
3. Can I freeze this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
While the soup itself can be stored in the fridge, it’s not recommended to freeze it due to the gnocchi. Freezing may cause the gnocchi to become mushy, and the soup can separate when thawed and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
More Relevant Recipes
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- Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish made with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this slow-cooker recipe takes minimal prep and is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup grated carrots (2–3 medium if shredding fresh)
- 3 medium sticks celery, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (use 2 tablespoons for thicker soup)
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (17.5-oz) package gnocchi
- 3 cups baby spinach (add more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Place the diced onion, grated carrots, and sliced celery into the slow cooker. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and place them on top of the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the evaporated milk until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup along with the shredded chicken and gnocchi.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 45 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- If using chicken thighs instead of breasts, the flavor will be richer, but the cooking time remains the same.
- For a silkier texture, swap evaporated milk for half-and-half.
- Gnocchi can be replaced with small pasta or diced potatoes, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
- To prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy, add it toward the end of the cooking process.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but avoid freezing due to the texture changes of gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 509mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
