There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup filling your home on a chilly evening. This creamy, hearty soup combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth that's perfect for cozy nights in.
I discovered this gem during a particularly busy winter when I needed something easy yet satisfying to keep my family warm and happy. It’s become a staple ever since—simple to prepare, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Get ready to fall head over heels for this comforting bowl of goodness. Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you need in a meal: easy to make, filling, and brimming with flavor.
First and foremost, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and come back to a perfectly cooked, creamy soup. It's hands-off cooking at its finest.
The flavor is second to none. With the combination of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a creamy broth infused with garlic, thyme, and a touch of nutmeg, every spoonful feels like a warm hug.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize the veggies, adjust the creaminess, or even swap the protein to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Finally, this soup is a meal in itself—comfort food that feeds the soul. Paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad, it makes an ideal dinner that leaves everyone satisfied.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, comforting flavors that make this recipe a standout.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. They cook to tender perfection in the slow cooker, shredding easily into the creamy broth. You can also use chicken thighs for an even richer flavor.
Gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings are the heart of the dish. They add a soft, chewy texture that perfectly complements the creamy soup. You’ll find them in the pasta aisle or frozen section of most grocery stores.
Vegetables: A mix of carrots, celery, and onions forms the flavorful base of this soup. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients, stirred in right at the end for that perfect wilted texture.
Cream: Heavy cream is your best friend for achieving that luxuriously creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half can work, but the soup won’t be as indulgent.
Seasonings: A blend of garlic, thyme, and nutmeg infuses the broth with depth and warmth. Don’t skip the nutmeg—it’s the secret to making the creaminess shine.
If you have a slow cooker with a sauté feature, you can save time by softening the onions, carrots, and celery directly in the pot before adding the remaining ingredients. Otherwise, a regular skillet works just fine!
How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating this delightful soup is as easy as it is rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make it perfectly every time.
Start by layering the base ingredients in your slow cooker: chicken, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Add the gnocchi and heavy cream to the soup, stirring well. Let it cook on high for another 20-30 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
Stir in the fresh spinach right before serving. The residual heat will gently wilt the leaves, adding a vibrant green touch to your soup.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal. From start to finish, the hands-on time is minimal, and the result is utterly delightful.
Storage Options
This soup is just as delicious the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier when reheated.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup without the gnocchi. Gnocchi can become mushy when frozen, so it’s best to add fresh ones when reheating. Store the base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first. Add a splash of broth or cream to adjust the consistency, and toss in fresh gnocchi for the finishing touch.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, Italian sausage, or even diced ham for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a cashew cream substitute in place of the heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies. They’ll blend seamlessly with the creamy broth.
- Gluten-Free Gnocchi: Most gnocchi are made with wheat, but you can find gluten-free options to make this soup suitable for dietary restrictions.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat that balances the creamy richness.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. With its warm, comforting flavors and endless versatility, this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is bound to become a favorite in your household, just as it is in mine!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Savor this creamy and comforting slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup, perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this hearty soup is ideal for a cozy family dinner. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups diced carrots and celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 16 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir in gnocchi and heavy cream. Cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the soup. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Use frozen gnocchi if fresh isn’t available; adjust cooking time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 810mg
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