Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft gnocchi, it’s effortless to prepare and full of rich, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3-4 medium whole carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1-2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1/2 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (flat or curly)
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken seasoning base (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
• 1 cup cream or half and half
• 1-2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 4 slices cooked bacon (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper into a large slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Add the Better than Bouillon paste and red pepper flakes, if using. If skipping the Bouillon, plan to add extra salt later to taste.
3. Step 3: Pour the chicken stock or broth over the ingredients and stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Step 4: With the slow cooker still on, remove the lid and shred the chicken using two forks. You can also shred it outside the cooker if preferred, then return it to the pot.
5. Step 5: Whisk the cream (or half and half) with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the soup, then add the gnocchi and spinach. Stir well, cover, and switch the slow cooker to high. Cook for another 30-45 minutes.
6. Step 6: Uncover and stir the soup. For a thicker consistency, whisk up to 1 additional tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cool water and stir it in. Let it thicken for about 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors. You can also add fresh basil or more red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Step 8: Serve the soup hot, topped with crumbled cooked bacon if you like. Enjoy your creamy, comforting meal!

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor, but breasts work well, too.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream with coconut milk.
• If you don’t have Better than Bouillon, add extra salt gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
• Add mushrooms or leeks for extra depth of flavor.
• Top with grated Parmesan cheese instead of bacon for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Storage

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much after chilling, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through completely in the slow cooker.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?

Add the gnocchi towards the end of the cooking time and avoid overcooking—30 to 45 minutes on high is ideal. If leftovers thicken overnight, add a bit of broth when reheating.

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 438 reviews

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for cozy days. Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables and Italian seasoning, combined with creamy broth, potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach, creates a rich and flavorful soup. It’s easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal slow cooker recipe for busy cooks.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high plus 45 minutes final step
• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (using low cook time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Soup Base

• 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3–4 medium whole carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1–2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1/2 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, flat or curly, chopped
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken seasoning base (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth

Cream and Thickening

• 1 cup cream or half and half
• 1–2 Tablespoons cornstarch

Add-Ins and Garnish

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional for serving)

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon table salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper into a large slow cooker.
2. Add seasoning base and spices: Stir in the Better than Bouillon paste and red pepper flakes if using. If not using Bouillon, be prepared to add extra salt later for flavor.
3. Add broth and cook: Pour the chicken stock or broth over the ingredients and gently stir. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
4. Shred the chicken: Remove the lid, shred the chicken inside the slow cooker using two forks. Alternatively, remove the chicken to shred on a board or mixer and return it to the pot.
5. Add cream mixture, gnocchi, and spinach: Whisk the cream (or half and half) with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Stir this into the soup along with the gnocchi and spinach. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes until the gnocchi is cooked through and spinach is wilted.
6. Adjust thickness: If a thicker soup is desired, mix up to 1 additional tablespoon cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the soup and cook for another 5 minutes to thicken.
7. Season to taste: Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper as needed. Enhance flavors with a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh basil, or additional red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled cooked bacon if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• If not using Better than Bouillon, more salt will likely be necessary to bring out full flavor.
• Chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative, though thighs provide more flavor and moisture.
• Vegetables can be adjusted or added based on preference; mushrooms would be a nice addition.
• This soup thickens as it stands; store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a bit of broth if needed.
• For a lighter version, use half and half instead of cream and reduce or omit bacon garnish.
• Gnocchi can be substituted with small pasta if unavailable, but texture will differ.

Keywords: Chicken Gnocchi Soup, Crockpot Soup, Slow Cooker Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Easy Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food