Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a luscious creamy broth. With minimal effort and the magic of your slow cooker, this hearty soup comes together effortlessly. The chicken cooks to perfection while absorbing all the savory flavors, and the gnocchi adds a satisfying texture that makes this soup feel like a cozy, complete meal. It’s the perfect recipe for busy days when you crave something indulgent and filling.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups gnocchi
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crockpot.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the Crockpot.
- Stir everything to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the Crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Add the gnocchi and chopped spinach to the Crockpot and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Additional Cooking Time for Gnocchi: 20-30 minutes on high
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
- Herb Variations: You can switch out the spinach for kale or add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra fragrance.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream substitute to make this soup dairy-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream if necessary to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
How long can I keep leftovers of Crockpot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour if cooking on low.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, you can use small pasta like mini shells, rotini, or farfalle. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta you use.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini to the Crockpot for extra texture and nutrients. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated when you’re ready to serve. If you plan to freeze it, you may want to freeze the gnocchi separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from becoming too soft.
What if the soup is too thick?
If the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Can I use a different type of cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream if you prefer a less rich version. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or another non-dairy alternative.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes! If you like some heat, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh chopped chilies to the soup for a spicy kick.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the Crockpot after the vegetables have softened and skip the step of cooking the chicken breasts.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken for tofu or another plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft gnocchi makes for a meal that feels both cozy and satisfying. Plus, with the convenience of the slow cooker, this soup requires minimal effort to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy it. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a hearty starter, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
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Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comforting dish, combining tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth. This hearty soup is easy to make with your slow cooker, creating a filling meal that’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights. With the rich flavors of chicken and gnocchi, this soup is indulgent yet simple, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups gnocchi
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot.
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Add chicken broth, heavy cream, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
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Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the soup.
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Add the gnocchi and spinach, then cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for more flavor and nutrition.
For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Swap spinach for kale or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
To make dairy-free, use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Crockpot Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
