The Coziest Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Winter Days

Nestled in comfort, this slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup promises a warm embrace on chilly days.

Savory aromas will dance through your kitchen as tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi simmer together.

Hearty ingredients meld into a creamy blend that speaks directly to your soul.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor without hours of complicated cooking.

Each spoonful carries memories of cozy gatherings and simple pleasures.

Soft potatoes and delicate herbs create a symphony of tastes that feel like a culinary hug.

Dive into this recipe and let your slow cooker work its magic.

Best Pairings with Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crusty sourdough bread to soak up all the delicious broth, creating a perfect comfort meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Rustic Italian Dinner Spread: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to complement the rich, creamy chicken gnocchi soup with a light, zesty contrast.
• Weekend Family Feast: Create a complete meal by adding a simple garlic bruschetta and a glass of crisp white wine, transforming this soup into an elegant yet relaxed dining experience that brings everyone together.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in mason jars for an easy lunch option that stays warm and delicious, perfect for work or school lunches that feel like a homemade treat.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

The key ingredients include chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, basil, heavy cream, gnocchi, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. These components create a rich, comforting soup with layers of flavor.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this soup is excellent for meal prep. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat gently. The flavors actually improve as they meld together over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Works

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup delivers a warm, comforting meal packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and nutritious vegetables that hug your soul like a cozy blanket.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Dump ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a rich, satisfying soup with minimal kitchen effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Perfect Family Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the creamy texture, soft gnocchi, and hearty chicken, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.
• Nutrition in Every Spoonful: Loaded with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach and vegetables, this soup provides a balanced meal that nourishes and satisfies without complicated cooking techniques.

Ingredients for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken: Provides the main protein and flavor for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and foundational flavor to the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Provides additional texture and nutritional value.

• Thyme, Basil: Contributes aromatic and fresh herbal notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning and taste.

• Broth: Creates the base liquid for the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creamy texture.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add heartiness to the soup.
• Spinach: Introduces a fresh, green element with additional nutrition.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, tangy garnish that complements the soup's flavors.

Stepwise Directions for Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Toss In the Base Ingredients

Gently place chicken, vegetable broth, diced carrots, chopped celery, minced onion, crushed garlic, fragrant thyme, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper into your slow cooker. These ingredients will create a rich, comforting flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover the slow cooker and let it simmer. Choose low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.

The goal is to cook the chicken until it becomes incredibly tender and falls apart easily.

Step 3: Break Down the Chicken

Using two forks, carefully shred the cooked chicken directly inside the slow cooker.

Pull the forks in opposite directions to create delicate, bite-sized chicken pieces that will blend perfectly with the soup.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Goodness

Stir in heavy cream, pillowy potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach leaves.

Switch the slow cooker to high and let everything cook together for 20-30 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to become soft and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Finish With a Cheesy Flourish

Just before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a salty, nutty finish to this hearty soup.

Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker, time-saving option that adds extra flavor to the soup.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the dish.
• Make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi and ensuring your broth is certified gluten-free.
• Freeze leftover soup in portion-sized containers for easy weeknight meals, storing up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Enhance the soup's richness by stirring in a splash of white wine or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Swap: Replace traditional wheat gnocchi with potato-based or gluten-free gnocchi varieties for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, white beans, or plant-based chicken alternatives to create a meatless version of the soup.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Gnocchi: Use cauliflower gnocchi or roasted cauliflower florets instead of traditional potato gnocchi to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Cream Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free alternative that maintains the soup's creamy texture.

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Olive Garden’s slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup delivers creamy comfort in a bowl. Rich with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and hearty vegetables, you’ll savor each spoonful of this homemade Italian-inspired delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 1 cup (150 grams) diced carrots
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped celery
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach leaves, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 lb (454 grams) potato gnocchi
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken, aromatic vegetables, and seasonings in the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes exceptionally tender.
3. Using two forks, carefully deconstruct the chicken directly within the cooking vessel, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup.
4. Introduce creamy richness by stirring in heavy cream, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant spinach leaves.
5. Continue cooking on high temperature for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing gnocchi to become perfectly soft and absorb the surrounding flavors.
6. Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding a final layer of savory complexity before serving.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting broth quantity, ensuring a perfect creamy consistency that coats the gnocchi beautifully.
• Swap chicken for rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken to reduce cooking time and add deeper flavor complexity.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by using potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi, which provide similar texture without wheat flour.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or kale to boost the soup’s vitamins and minerals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg