Hearty Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Cozy & Hearty Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Winter

Chilly evenings call for a warm and comforting chicken gnocchi soup that hugs your soul with its creamy, rich flavors.

This incredible crockpot chicken gnocchi soup delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables, the recipe promises a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly.

Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious soup that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Creamy and hearty, this dish combines convenience with deep, robust flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The magic of this one-pot wonder lies in its simplicity and depth of taste.

Prepare to fall in love with a soup that warms you from the inside out and makes weeknight dinners a delightful experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 67 hours (low) or 34 hours (high)

Total Time: 67 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that provides hearty protein and rich flavor, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation of the soup, select low-sodium version for better flavor control.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Develop deep, warm undertones and enhance overall soup complexity, use fresh for maximum punch.
  • Carrots, Celery: Add subtle sweetness and crisp texture, select firm vegetables without blemishes.
For Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Thyme, Italian Seasoning: Infuse Mediterranean-inspired warmth and earthiness, use dried herbs for concentrated flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Balance and elevate other ingredients' natural tastes, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
For Soup Enrichment:
  • Half-and-Half: Creates luxurious creamy texture, choose full-fat version for richer consistency.
  • Gnocchi: Provides comforting, pillowy starch element, select vacuum-sealed packages for freshness.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrient boost, choose fresh baby spinach for tender quick wilting.
  • Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for desired soup consistency, mix with cold water before adding.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty finish, freshly grated provides best flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh herbal note, chop just before serving.

Essentials to Make Chicken Gnocchi in the Crockpot

  • Crockpot: Essential for slow-cooking the soup with all ingredients.
  • Two Forks: Perfect for easily shredding cooked chicken.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons: Help add precise amounts of seasonings and liquids.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for preparing fresh ingredients.
  • Ladle: Helps serve the soup smoothly into bowls.
  • Small Bowl: Used for mixing cornstarch and water if thickening the soup.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients in the crockpot.

Making Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Made Easy

  • Toss Everything In

Grab your trusty crockpot and dump in tender chicken pieces, chopped onions, minced garlic, colorful carrots, and crisp celery. Sprinkle in aromatic thyme and Italian seasoning for an extra flavor punch.

  • Let the Magic Happen

Secure the lid and let your crockpot work its wonder. Let it simmer on low heat for several hours, allowing the chicken to become mouthwateringly tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

  • Break Down the Chicken

Carefully remove the cooked chicken and shred it into delectable, bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the warm, fragrant broth.

  • Create Creamy Comfort

Gently stir in soft, pillowy gnocchi and luxurious half-and-half. Let everything cuddle together on high heat, allowing the gnocchi to become perfectly plump and tender.

  • Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Toss in vibrant spinach leaves and let them gently wilt into the soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, quickly whisk together a cornstarch slurry and stir it in.

  • Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and garnish with chopped parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Chicken Gnocchi Tips & Taste Variations

  • Let the Magic Begin
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for guaranteed tender meat that shreds perfectly without losing moisture.
  • Swap half-and-half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, plant-based version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase nutrition and add exciting flavor dimensions.
  • Replace traditional potato gnocchi with gluten-free versions or cauliflower gnocchi for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Transform this soup into a heartier meal by adding white beans, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked Italian sausage for extra protein punch.

Cozy Ways to Serve Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Cozy Soup Companion Pairings
  • Crusty Bread Dipping: Serve with warm, toasted garlic bread or a rustic sourdough to soak up the creamy broth and add delightful texture.
  • Fresh Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad topped with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add refreshing crunch.
  • Cheesy Sprinkle Delight: Generously garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon bits, or herbed croutons for added flavor and excitement.
  • Wine Wellness Match: Complement the soup with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the overall dining experience.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Storage + Meal Tips

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh in the refrigerator for 35 days. Chill quickly to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Pro tip: Separate gnocchi from broth when freezing to prevent texture breakdown.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, adding extra broth if needed to restore consistency. Avoid microwave to maintain soup's creamy texture and prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy.
  • Store spinach separately from soup to prevent wilting. Add fresh spinach when reheating for a crisp, vibrant green accent. Keep cream-based components cool and consume within recommended timeframe for best quality.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot chicken gnocchi soup brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Creamy potato dumplings mingle with tender chicken, creating a rich, warming bowl that beckons hungry souls to savor each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 16 oz (454 g) package potato gnocchi
  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded carrots
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chopped celery
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) cornstarch + 2 tbsps (30 ml) water (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional toppings: grated Parmesan, fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Crockpot Preparation: Layer chicken, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and seasonings into the slow cooker, then pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Slow Cooking Process: Seal the crockpot and allow ingredients to simmer gently on LOW temperature for 6-7 hours or HIGH temperature for 3-4 hours, transforming chicken into tender, succulent morsels and melding herb-infused flavors.
  3. Protein Breakdown: Carefully extract chicken from the liquid, delicately shred using two forks, then reintegrate the pulled meat back into the developing soup base, maintaining its rich, hearty character.
  4. Final Enrichment: Introduce pillowy gnocchi and creamy half-and-half into the simmering liquid, continuing cooking to ensure pasta achieves perfect tenderness while simultaneously creating a luxurious, velvety texture.
  5. Verdant Finish: Incorporate fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to delicately wilt and release their vibrant green color; optionally enhance soup’s consistency by whisking cornstarch with water and gently stirring into the mixture.
  6. Presentation: Ladle the sumptuous soup into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an elegant, restaurant-quality presentation that elevates this comforting dish.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, easily shreddable meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Add gnocchi in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to maintain perfect texture and prevent overcooking.
  • Use cornstarch slurry sparingly to control soup thickness without compromising rich, creamy flavor profile.
  • Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, use gluten-free gnocchi, and replace half-and-half with coconut milk for alternative diet versions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star