Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve come to the right place! Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is my go-to comfort food for those bustling weeknights when time seems to slip away. It’s easy to throw together in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you tackle your to-do list or just kick back with a good book. This soup is not only delicious but also perfect for family gatherings or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe special, aside from its creamy goodness and tender chicken, is how it brings everyone together around the table. With every spoonful, you’ll find hearty veggies, fluffy gnocchi, and a velvety broth that might just have you coming back for seconds—or thirds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Even picky eaters will love the comforting flavors and textures of this soup.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; simply store leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of fresh ingredients creates a depth of flavor that warms your soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup so delightful. You likely have many of these staples in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3-4 medium whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1-2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 1/2 medium yellow or white onion (chopped)
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (flat or curly, chopped)
• 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• salt and black pepper

Broth and Creaminess

• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken seasoning base (optional)
• pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
• 1 cup cream or half and half
• 1-2 Tablespoons cornstarch

For the Finishing Touches

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 4 slices cooked bacon (optional for serving)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken; just add it during the last hour of cooking.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped potatoes or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk for cream to keep the texture creamy without dairy.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick!

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by placing all your fresh ingredients into a large slow cooker. This includes the chicken, chopped carrots, celery, onion, parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The key here is layering these ingredients so that their flavors meld beautifully as they cook.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

If you’re using Better than Bouillon chicken seasoning base and red pepper flakes, now’s the time to add them in! This enhances the soup’s flavor profile. If you’re skipping this step, don’t forget to adjust your salt levels later on!

Step 3: Combine with Broth

Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken stock or broth over everything. Give it a gentle stir so all those lovely flavors start mingling together. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours.

Step 4: Shred That Chicken!

Once cooking time is up—don’t rush this part—remove the lid and shred that tender chicken using two forks right inside the pot. This step allows all those juicy bits to infuse into your soup!

Step 5: Make it Creamy

In a small bowl, whisk together your cream (or half-and-half) with cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into your soup along with the gnocchi and spinach. Stir well before covering again; set your slow cooker to high for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Thicken if Desired

Give your soup a good stir after cooking again! If you’d like it thicker, mix some cornstarch with water as instructed earlier and add that slurry into your soup. It will thicken nicely within minutes!

Step 7: Final Seasoning Touches

Taste your creation! Add more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. These final touches help elevate all those amazing flavors before serving!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle generous servings into bowls and sprinkle on crumbled cooked bacon if you like! Now gather around with family or friends—this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is ready to warm hearts and bellies alike! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is a breeze, but a few tips can take it from delicious to absolutely spectacular!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Fresh garlic and parsley, for example, provide vibrant tastes that bring the dish to life.

• Don’t rush the cooking time: Allowing your soup to simmer for the full time recommended helps all the flavors meld beautifully. Slow cooking really makes a difference in achieving that depth of flavor.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every palate is different! Start with the suggested amounts of salt and spices, but feel free to tweak them according to your preference. A squeeze of lemon or a dash more red pepper can brighten the flavors perfectly.

• Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms based on what you have on hand. This recipe is flexible and welcomes creativity!

• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day!

How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup is not just comforting; it’s also a beautiful dish that can be dressed up for any occasion! Here are some ideas on how to present it.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil adds color and freshness.
• Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide a delightful contrast to the creamy soup texture.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon over the top brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, enhancing every spoonful with rich flavor.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with a light dressing complements the creamy soup nicely while adding crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional nutrients and a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the savory soup.
• Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese are fantastic for soaking up every last drop of this comforting soup.

Dive into this comforting bowl of Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup – it’s sure to warm both your heart and your stomach! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not just a delightful meal for today; it’s also perfect for your meal prep needs! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to separate any toppings (like bacon) before storing.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing to maintain texture.
• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
• Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this comforting recipe!

Can I use frozen chicken in my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Yes! You can add frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure it cooks through thoroughly.

How do I thicken my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

To thicken your soup, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup during the final cooking phase. Allow it to cook for an additional few minutes until thickened.

What can I substitute if I don’t have gnocchi?

If you don’t have gnocchi on hand, you can use small pasta like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as they may require less time than gnocchi.

Is this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup healthy?

This soup is packed with vegetables and lean protein, making it a wholesome meal option. Feel free to customize it with more veggies or skip the cream for a lighter version!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days and gatherings alike. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft gnocchi creates a truly special experience that warms both the heart and soul. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to share your creations with family and friends!