When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of rich, creamy soup. Enter Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup—a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, hearty vegetables, and a velvety broth that tastes like it simmered all day. The best part? Using a crockpot makes this indulgent soup almost effortless. You can set it in the morning, go about your day, and return to a kitchen filled with irresistible aromas.

This soup strikes the perfect balance between hearty and creamy. The gnocchi absorbs the flavors beautifully, the chicken adds protein and depth, and the vegetables provide color and nutrition. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests, Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a dish that consistently delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup (150 g) diced carrots
1 cup (120 g) diced celery
1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
2 cups (120 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped

For the Creamy Base:

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour

For the Gnocchi:

1 pound (450 g) potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese
Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Crockpot

Spray the inside of a 6-quart (or larger) crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it with butter. This prevents the ingredients from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Vegetables

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Layer the diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic on top. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir lightly to combine the seasonings without disturbing the chicken too much.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Base

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes.

Slowly pour the creamy mixture into the crockpot, stirring gently to combine. This step ensures a smooth, velvety texture without lumps.

Step 6: Add Gnocchi and Spinach

Add the gnocchi to the crockpot and stir gently. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through. Finally, stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Give the soup a final taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed. For extra flavor, consider a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency.
Freezing: While the gnocchi may become slightly soft when frozen, you can freeze the soup without the gnocchi. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

Tip: Avoid storing in a humid or warm environment to maintain the soup’s creamy texture.

Variations

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is highly adaptable:

Vegetable-Loaded Version: Add mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
Spicy Version: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a warm, spicy kick.
Cheesy Version: Add 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Herb-Forward Version: Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a brighter, garden-fresh flavor.
Low-Fat Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

With Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty French bread, garlic bread, or warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
As a Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers for an easy, comforting lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Garnish for Presentation: Sprinkle chopped parsley, shredded Parmesan, or cracked black pepper on top for a restaurant-quality look.
Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced, hearty meal.

Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Add gnocchi toward the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Use Quality Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth allows better control of the seasoning and enhances flavor.
Shred Chicken Finely: Smaller pieces mix well with the creamy base and ensure every bite is satisfying.
Creamy Texture: Make sure to whisk the flour into the butter completely before adding milk to avoid lumps.
Fresh Herbs Finish: Stir in fresh herbs at the end for a bright, aromatic flavor.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Its creamy broth, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables make it a crowd-pleaser for families and guests alike. What makes this soup so appealing is its versatility—you can customize it with different vegetables, spices, and herbs to suit your taste while keeping the prep simple.

Whether served for a cozy weeknight dinner, a meal-prep solution, or a dish to impress holiday guests, this soup delivers both flavor and convenience. With minimal effort and maximum comfort, Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a recipe you’ll return to season after season. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of hearty ingredients, creamy richness, and homestyle flavor, making it a timeless addition to your dinner rotation.

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Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Creamy, Comforting, and Effortless

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 6 hr 15 min – 7 hr 15 min (low) / 3 hr 15 min – 4 hr 15 min (high)
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy, comforting Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and hearty vegetables—perfect for cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup (150 g) diced carrots

1 cup (120 g) diced celery

1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

2 cups (120 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped

For the Creamy Base:

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter

3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour

For the Gnocchi:

1 pound (450 g) potato gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese

Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Prep the Crockpot:
Spray the inside of a 6-quart (or larger) crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it.

Add Chicken and Vegetables:
Place chicken at the bottom, layer carrots, celery, onion, and garlic on top. Pour in chicken broth, sprinkle in thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir lightly.

Cook Low and Slow:
Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked and vegetables tender.

Shred the Chicken:
Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to crockpot.

Make Creamy Base:
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour 1–2 minutes. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisk until smooth. Cook 3–4 minutes to thicken. Slowly stir into crockpot.

Add Gnocchi and Spinach:
Stir in gnocchi, cook high 20–30 minutes until tender. Add spinach, wilt 2–3 minutes.

Taste and Adjust:
Adjust salt, pepper, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat.