Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup balances tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach in a creamy broth that’s so comforting it becomes an instant family favorite. Whether you’re a slow cooker newbie or a longtime fan, this recipe is foolproof and perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you at the end of it. Let me walk you through why this one is a game-changer in my kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully — from crunchy celery and sweet carrots to tender chicken and earthy spinach. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll gather before you start.

• Celery: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch and a classic soup base flavor.
• Carrot: Brings sweetness and depth; peeling it helps keep the soup silky.
• Onion: Finely chopped for mellow aromatic richness that melds seamlessly.
• Dried parsley & thyme: Classic herbs that provide the perfect Italian-inspired herbal undertone.
• Minced garlic: Because what’s soup without garlic? Adds that cozy, savory punch.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that you’ll adjust to taste later.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that stays tender and shreddable in the slow cooker.
• Low sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base — I always opt for low sodium so I can control the saltiness better.
• Heavy cream: This makes the broth luscious and creamy without overpowering it.
• Corn starch: A thickener that ensures your soup isn’t watery but has that perfect body.
• Small gnocchi: The star carbs here — they get tender and soak up the soup’s essence beautifully.
• Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a lovely tender bite at the end.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For that final burst of savory, salty goodness that ties everything together.

Variations

I love how versatile this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is — feel free to tweak it and make it your own. Over time, I’ve tried swapping out a few ingredients or adding extras to keep it fresh and interesting.

• Swap Out Greens: I once stirred in kale instead of spinach, and it worked great for more texture — just make sure to add it near the end so it doesn’t get too tough.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative and skip the Parmesan to suit dairy-free diets; it still comes out creamy and delicious!
• Add Mushrooms: My husband loves mushrooms, so sometimes I toss in sliced cremini for an earthy twist that pairs well with the herbs.
• Spice It Up: For a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving takes it up a notch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients

Start by lining your slow cooker with a Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liner if you have one—trust me, this little trick saves a mountain of cleanup later. Toss in your chopped celery, carrot, onion, dried parsley, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and give it a gentle stir to combine. Nestle the chicken breasts right into that flavorful liquid, pressing them down just enough so they’re fully submerged. This goodbye to last-minute stirring is one reason I adore slow cookers!

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re pressed for time, high for 3 to 4 hours. The veggies soften nicely, and the chicken becomes tender enough to shred effortlessly. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the broth smelled after just a couple of hours—it’s basically home cooking comfort at its best.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add the Creamy Touch

Once cooked, carefully shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks, or if you prefer, lift the breasts out and chop them on a cutting board before returning them to the pot. Next, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth, then pour this mixture into the soup along with the gnocchi. Give everything a gentle stir, cover again, and cook on high for about an hour. This step thickens the broth and lets the gnocchi cook until tender—they’ll soak up all those cozy flavors.

Step 4: Add Spinach, Parmesan, and Final Seasoning

Right before serving, stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. The spinach wilts beautifully in the residual heat, adding freshness and color. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed — this is your moment to make it perfect for your palate.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this soup with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves when I have them on hand — it adds a fresh herbaceous note and a pop of color. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also amps up the flavor wonderfully.

Side Dishes

We often pair this soup with crusty garlic bread or cheesy biscuits to mop up every last bit of that creamy broth. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette works beautifully too, balancing out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in mini pumpkin bowls during fall — it’s festive and makes the meal feel extra cozy. Another fun idea is to ladle the soup into oversized mugs and serve it as a comforting appetizer at a casual dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying leftovers, I transfer them into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the next day’s meal even better. Just be mindful that the gnocchi will soak up more liquid over time, so the soup thickens.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully by separating the gnocchi from the broth beforehand and adding it fresh when reheating. Freezing the entire soup with gnocchi included sometimes leads to mushy texture — so this little step is a game-changer.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent breaking the cream and maintain a silky texture. Adding fresh spinach or Parmesan cheese at this stage freshens it up beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe holds a special place on my menu because it’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel warm, nourishing, and a bit celebratory without all the fuss. I’ve shared it countless times with friends and family, and every time, it draws everyone close to the table with smiles. I hope you’ll give it a try, and when you do, let it become your go-to comfort food too — it’s just that good!

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