Craving a warm hug in a bowl on a chilly evening? This incredibly easy slow cooker creamy chicken and gnocchi soup recipe is your answer. It delivers pure comfort with minimal effort. Imagine tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables swimming in a rich, velvety broth. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that the whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
This delightful soup will quickly become a family favorite for many reasons:
- Effortless Cooking: Simply combine ingredients in your slow cooker, then “set it and forget it” for hours.
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: Every spoonful offers a blend of savory chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy goodness.
- Hearty and Satisfying Meal: The tender chicken and potato gnocchi make this a wonderfully filling dish.
- Customizable: Easily add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your family’s taste.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a delicious and wholesome meal that even picky eaters will ask for again.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting creamy chicken and gnocchi soup:
- 1/2 yellow medium onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. fresh thyme
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 1 (17.5-oz.) package gnocchi
- 3 c. baby spinach
Notes & Substitutions
These suggestions help you tailor the recipe to your pantry and preferences.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook perfectly in the slow cooker. You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor; cooking time remains similar.
- Gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi works best for this recipe. Frozen gnocchi can also be used, but may require a few extra minutes of cooking.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary provide the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary if fresh is unavailable.
- Vegetables: Feel free to boost the nutrition and flavor. Sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or additional greens like kale can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this easy gnocchi chicken soup.
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe’s volume.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for preparing the vegetables.
- Two Forks: For easily shredding the cooked chicken.
- Whisk: To ensure your cornstarch slurry is smooth and lump-free.
- Ladle: For serving up generous portions of delicious soup.
Instructions
Creating this warm and hearty creamy chicken and gnocchi soup is a breeze with your slow cooker. Just follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal.
Step 1: Prep & Combine
Start by preparing your ingredients for the slow cooker. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic. Layer these vegetables evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, generously season both sides of your chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned chicken directly on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Add the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs, then carefully pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Cook on the high setting for 4 to 5 hours, or on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
Step 2: Shred Chicken & Thicken Soup
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts and the rosemary sprigs from the slow cooker. Discard the rosemary sprigs. Using two forks, easily shred the tender chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup in the slow cooker. To thicken the soup, take about 1/4 cup of the hot broth from the slow cooker and transfer it to a medium bowl. Add the cornstarch to this broth and whisk vigorously until it’s fully combined and no lumps remain. Pour this cornstarch slurry back into the main soup mixture in the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream and the package of gnocchi. Cover the slow cooker again and continue to cook on high for an additional 44 minutes, or until the gnocchi is perfectly tender.
Step 3: Finish & Serve
For the final touch, stir the fresh baby spinach into the hot soup until it wilts, which should only take a few minutes. Taste the creamy chicken and gnocchi soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous grind of fresh black pepper. Enjoy your comforting, homemade meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your creamy chicken and gnocchi soup turns out perfect every time with these helpful hints.
- Perfectly Shredded Chicken: If your chicken isn’t shredding easily, it might need a little more cooking time. Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer on low speed for super fast shredding.
- Smooth Thickening: Always whisk the cornstarch with a bit of hot liquid before adding it to the main pot. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky smooth soup.
- Avoid Overcooked Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly. Adding it during the last 45 minutes on high heat prevents it from becoming mushy. Check for tenderness before the timer runs out.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an even deeper flavor, you can add a bay leaf with the initial ingredients and remove it with the rosemary. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end is also wonderful.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, stir in a splash more chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add another small cornstarch slurry.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile and satisfying creamy chicken and gnocchi soup can be enjoyed in many ways.
Serving Suggestions
- Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping into the rich broth.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad complements the heartiness of the soup beautifully.
- Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
- Freezing: This soup freezes fairly well. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2-3 months. Note that gnocchi texture can sometimes change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit softer.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free version. You can add canned cannellini beans for extra protein.
- Spicy: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes with the initial ingredients for a subtle heat, or more for a bolder kick.
- Cheesy: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a Parmesan blend during the last few minutes of cooking for an even creamier, cheesier soup.
Nutrition
Enjoying a hearty bowl of this homemade creamy chicken and gnocchi soup offers a balanced meal. Understanding the benefits of healthy eating can help you appreciate the value of such a wholesome dish. The nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 486 Calories |
| Fat Content | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 10 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 160 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1144 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 33 g |
| Fiber Content | 4 g |
| Sugar Content | 4 g |
| Protein Content | 40 g |
FAQ
Got questions about making this comforting creamy chicken and gnocchi soup? We’ve got answers!
- What is gnocchi? Gnocchi are small, soft potato dumplings, a traditional Italian pasta alternative. Delve deeper into the history and types of gnocchi to appreciate this versatile ingredient. They add a wonderful chewy yet tender texture to this soup.
- Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes, you can. Bone-in chicken will add more flavor, but you’ll need to increase the initial cooking time by about an hour. Remove the chicken, debone, and shred before returning it to the pot.
- Is this like Olive Garden’s Chicken and Gnocchi Soup? This homemade version offers a similar comforting profile but often tastes fresher and allows for customization. You’ll love the quality of fresh ingredients in your own kitchen.
- Can I make this on the stovetop or Instant Pot? Yes, you can! For stovetop, sauté veggies, brown chicken, then simmer with broth for 20-25 minutes. Follow the same thickening and gnocchi steps. For Instant Pot, pressure cook chicken and veggies for 10-12 minutes, then follow the thickening steps.
Conclusion
This slow cooker creamy chicken and gnocchi soup truly embodies comfort in a bowl. It’s an incredibly simple recipe that delivers rich, satisfying flavors with minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You’ll love how easy it is to create this ultimate comfort food experience right in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below! Your new favorite soup awaits.
The Best Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chopped vegetables, seasoned chicken, thyme, rosemary, and chicken broth into the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
- Shred cooked chicken and return it to the soup. Whisk cornstarch with a small amount of hot broth, then add to the soup along with heavy cream and gnocchi. Cook for an additional 45 minutes on high.
- Stir in baby spinach until wilted, then season the soup to taste and serve with freshly ground black pepper.