Quick & Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Crafting a hearty slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Creamy textures and robust flavors await your culinary adventure.

Soft potato dumplings nestle alongside tender chicken pieces in this delightful dish.

Home cooks love how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Rich broth infused with herbs creates a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a loving embrace.

Perfectly balanced ingredients guarantee a crowd-pleasing experience for everyone around the table.

One spoonful will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with delicious aromas.

Jump into this simple yet spectacular soup that makes weeknight dinners extraordinary.

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Full of Comfort

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hearty meal with minimal hands-on effort.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Enjoy a creamy, nourishing soup packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and nutritious vegetables that warm you from the inside out.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this soup adapts easily to different tastes and dietary preferences.
• No-Fuss Cooking: Minimal chopping and straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home chefs.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides the main protein for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build deep flavor for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add sweetness and texture.

• Chicken Broth: Provides the flavorful liquid base for the slow cooker soup.
• Thyme, Basil: Herbs that contribute warm and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add heartiness and substance to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Ingredient that creates a rich and smooth texture.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds color and nutritional value.

• Cornstarch, Water: Mixture used to thicken the soup if desired.

Simple Steps to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Base

• Chicken breasts
• Chicken broth
• Chopped carrots
• Diced celery
• Sliced onions
• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Nestle everything together, creating a cozy foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker and let magic happen.

Cook on LOW setting for 6-7 hours or HIGH setting for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes perfectly tender and easily falls apart.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Using two forks, gently pull apart the chicken directly inside the slow cooker.

Break the meat into delightful, bite-sized pieces that will blend seamlessly with the soup.

Step 4: Add Creamy Gnocchi

Introduce pillowy potato gnocchi and rich heavy cream into the slow cooker.

Switch to HIGH setting and cook for 20-30 minutes, allowing gnocchi to become soft and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate Fresh Greens

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and stir until they beautifully wilt into the soup.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect balance.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup (Optional)

Want a heartier texture?

Mix cornstarch with water to create a quick slurry. Stir into the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming, comforting soup into bowls. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of your homemade creation!

Pro Tips for Flavorful Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker, time-saving option that adds extra flavor.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the soup with reduced calories.
• Add parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of savory goodness and rich texture.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a delicious meal is always ready.
• Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Flavor Variations to Customize Your Gnocchi Soup

• Gluten-Free Gnocchi Version: Replace regular gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the soup.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with white beans or firm tofu, adding plant-based protein while maintaining the creamy soup's texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or roasted cauliflower florets for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to create a dairy-free and lighter soup version.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Pack this soup in individual containers for a comforting midweek lunch that reheats perfectly and keeps you satisfied throughout the day.
• Weekend Comfort Companion: Pair the soup with a light garden salad and a glass of crisp white wine to elevate this simple dish into a delightful weekend meal experience.
• Game Day Warmth Winner: Serve in small mugs or bowls during sports viewing parties as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that keeps everyone cozy and content.

Storing Tips to Keep Chicken Gnocchi Soup Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before storing.
• Freeze soup without gnocchi for better texture, keeping it fresh for 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers.
• Transfer chilled soup to microwave-safe bowl and reheat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent uneven heating.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent gnocchi from becoming too soft or mushy.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.

• Is this soup healthy?

This soup is nutritious with protein from chicken, vegetables like carrots and spinach, and can be modified for lower calories by using less cream or substituting with milk.

• Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Use a large pot on the stovetop. Sauté vegetables first, add broth and chicken, simmer for 30-40 minutes, then follow remaining steps.

• What kind of gnocchi works best?

Potato gnocchi is recommended. Store-bought vacuum-sealed or fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section work perfectly in this recipe.

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Olive Garden’s slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup delivers creamy comfort straight from home kitchens. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this soup a comforting meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 16 ounces (454 grams) potato gnocchi

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups diced carrots and celery
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Arrange raw chicken, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and seasonings inside the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together on LOW temperature for 6-7 hours or HIGH temperature for 3-4 hours, ensuring chicken becomes thoroughly tender.
3. Carefully pull apart the cooked chicken into delicate, bite-sized pieces using two forks directly within the cooking vessel.
4. Introduce pillowy gnocchi and rich cream to the slow cooker, continuing to heat on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until pasta becomes soft and plump.
5. Gently fold fresh spinach into the soup, letting the leaves wilt and incorporate their vibrant green color and nutrients.
6. For a more robust consistency, create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing with cool water, then stirring into the soup and cooking an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
7. Ladle the creamy, herb-infused soup into warm bowls, capturing the perfect blend of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and aromatic vegetables.

Notes

• Control salt by using low-sodium chicken broth to manage sodium intake for health-conscious individuals.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or white beans for a more filling meal.
• Quickly elevate leftovers by garnishing with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or crispy bacon bits for added flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg