There's nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly evening. This hearty soup, filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a velvety broth, is a perfect balance of savory flavors and cozy vibes.

I first fell in love with this recipe on a particularly hectic day when I needed something effortless yet delicious. Little did I know it would become a family favorite, making regular appearances on our dinner table. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is to love. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings everything you crave in a comforting meal, all with minimal effort.

First and foremost, this recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can let your slow cooker handle the rest, making it ideal for busy days when you don’t want to hover over the stove.

It’s also packed with flavor. The tender chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy gnocchi come together with a medley of seasonings and vegetables to create a dish that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.

Not to mention, this soup is family-friendly. Even picky eaters can’t resist the combination of soft gnocchi and a rich, savory base. It’s a surefire way to get everyone around the table.

Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making this a go-to recipe you’ll never tire of. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying leftovers for lunch, it’s always a hit.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its blend of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Each component adds a special touch to the final dish.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully here. They cook to perfection in the slow cooker, becoming juicy and tender.
Gnocchi: These soft, potato-based dumplings are the heart of this recipe. Look for shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi in your grocery store, as they cook quickly and absorb the soup's flavors perfectly.
Vegetables: A mix of diced carrots, celery, and onion forms the aromatic base of the soup. For added greens, fresh spinach is stirred in at the end, adding color and nutrition.
Broth and Cream: A combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a luxurious, creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or even coconut milk.
Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and a touch of nutmeg bring depth to the dish, while salt and pepper enhance its overall flavor.

Special Equipment: A slow cooker is essential for this recipe. A 6-quart model is ideal for the quantities listed, allowing enough space for everything to simmer gently.

How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.

Prepare the Base: In your slow cooker, layer diced carrots, celery, and onion. Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves for extra flavor, followed by your chicken breasts or thighs.
Add the Liquid: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Sprinkle in seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, mixing it with the vegetables and broth.
Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in 1 pound of gnocchi and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high until soft.
Finish with Spinach and Cream: Add 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently. Let everything heat through for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Total time: About 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high), with only a few minutes of active preparation needed. The result is a luscious soup that’s worth every minute of the wait.

Storage Options

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just as delightful the next day. Here’s how to store it properly:

Refrigeration: Transfer the soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency.
Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking and adding the gnocchi fresh when reheating. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips: For best results, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat over low heat. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some creative twists to make it your own:

Protein Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version, or try diced turkey for a post-holiday meal idea.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or chickpeas for a satisfying, meat-free alternative.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Low-Carb: Replace the gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb twist.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

With endless possibilities, this recipe invites you to experiment and find your perfect variation.

There you have it – a Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup that’s creamy, comforting, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. So grab your slow cooker and let the magic begin!