Introduction
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, creamy, and hearty dish that perfectly combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, all slow-cooked to meld flavors beautifully with minimal effort. This soup is ideal for busy days when you want a wholesome homemade meal waiting for you without standing over the stove for hours. It offers a satisfying mix of textures—from the soft gnocchi to the tender shredded chicken and crisp greens—making each spoonful rich and flavorful. The ease of using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to slowly infuse and develop deep, comforting flavors. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, casual family dinners, or meal prepping since it reheats wonderfully and can be customized to fit various dietary preferences. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner looking for a fuss-free recipe, Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an excellent choice that delivers warmth, nourishment, and deliciousness in every bowl.
The History of
Chicken soup has a long history as a comforting and healing food across cultures worldwide, often considered a remedy for colds and ailments. The addition of gnocchi, Italian potato dumplings, to chicken soup is a more modern fusion that blends traditional Italian ingredients with classic American chicken soup. Gnocchi themselves date back to Roman times, evolving from simple dumplings made from semolina or flour into the soft, pillowy potato-based version popular today. Slow cookers gained popularity in the mid-20th century, revolutionizing home cooking by allowing busy families to prepare meals in advance. Combining gnocchi with chicken soup in a crockpot reflects the trend toward convenience without sacrificing flavor or texture. This soup’s emergence as a beloved comfort food reflects the growing interest in Italian-inspired dishes with an American twist, highlighting hearty, creamy soups that bring warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, which become tender and shred easily during slow cooking, providing a protein-rich base.
- Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add a comforting, chewy texture to the soup and absorb the flavors of the broth.
- Vegetables: Commonly include carrots, celery, and onions, which build a flavorful foundation, and leafy greens like spinach or kale added toward the end for freshness and color.
- Broth: Chicken broth or stock provides a savory, rich liquid base that enhances all the other ingredients.
- Dairy: Heavy cream or half-and-half is often stirred in at the end for creaminess, balancing the savory broth with a smooth, rich texture.
- Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper are classic herbs and spices that enhance the soup’s aromatic qualities.
- Thickener: Sometimes flour or cornstarch is used to slightly thicken the broth for a more luxurious mouthfeel.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the vegetables by dicing carrots, celery, and onions.
- Place the chicken, vegetables, garlic, herbs, and broth into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return it to the crockpot.
- Add the gnocchi and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes until tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale and allow it to wilt.
- Pour in the cream or half-and-half, stirring gently to combine.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional herbs if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Tips for the Perfect
Use fresh or high-quality store-bought gnocchi for the best texture—they cook quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. Shred the chicken finely to disperse it evenly throughout the soup. Add greens just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and texture. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Avoid adding dairy too early to prevent curdling. Season gradually and taste often to balance the creaminess and savory notes. Using homemade or low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt content. If you want more depth of flavor, sauté the vegetables briefly before adding them to the crockpot. Letting the soup rest after cooking can enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Variations and Customizations
You can customize this soup by swapping chicken thighs for breasts for a richer flavor or using shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. For a lower-carb option, substitute gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or omit it entirely and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat. For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding gnocchi. Swap spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula depending on your preference. Herbs can be varied with oregano, basil, or sage for different flavor profiles. Adding cooked bacon or pancetta provides smoky depth. For a heartier meal, add beans or potatoes. The soup can also be made in an Instant Pot using the slow cook function or pressure cooking for faster preparation.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
This soup is generally balanced, offering a good source of lean protein from chicken and fiber from vegetables and greens. The inclusion of gnocchi adds carbohydrates for energy but can be moderated or replaced for those monitoring carb intake. Using homemade broth or low-sodium store-bought options helps control sodium levels, important for heart health. Heavy cream increases fat and calorie content, so using half-and-half or milk alternatives can reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. The soup provides essential vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and K from the vegetables and greens. For those with dietary restrictions, the recipe is flexible and can be adapted to be gluten-free (using gluten-free gnocchi and thickener), dairy-free, or low-fat. Homemade versions avoid preservatives and additives common in canned soups, making it a wholesome, nourishing choice.
FAQ
Can I use frozen gnocchi? Yes, add it directly to the crockpot during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking; no need to thaw.
How long can leftovers be stored? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Can this be frozen? Yes, but note that gnocchi texture may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot? Yes, use the slow cook setting or pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes, then quick release and add gnocchi to cook separately.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs can be substituted; reduce the quantity by about half for potency.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep? Absolutely, it reheats well and flavors often improve after resting overnight.
Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein instead.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken, broth, diced onion, minced garlic, and salt into the Crockpot.
- Cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken and add the gnocchi, chopped spinach, and heavy cream. Continue cooking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the gnocchi is soft.
- Serve warm.