The Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Sat Aug 16 2025

If you're looking for a fuss-free yet incredibly flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, this slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup recipe is your ultimate answer. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend, this hearty soup combines tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth filled with vegetables. It’s a complete meal in one pot that promises comfort and satisfaction with minimal effort.

Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Your Soup?

The slow cooker is a culinary marvel, especially when it comes to developing deep flavors with very little hands-on time. For soups, it allows ingredients to meld together beautifully over hours, resulting in a more complex and satisfying taste. It also ensures your chicken stays incredibly tender and prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy if cooked correctly. Plus, it frees up your stovetop and oven, making meal prep a breeze.

Key Ingredients You'll Need

One of the beauties of this recipe is its reliance on readily available ingredients. You likely have most of these in your pantry or fridge already!

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
16 oz package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Before you begin, gather and chop all your vegetables. While you can add them directly to the slow cooker, a quick sauté of the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a bit of olive oil on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes can deepen their flavor, though this step is optional for ultimate ease.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

This is where the magic happens!

Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic over the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded.
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Finishing Touches

The final steps are quick and crucial for the perfect texture and creaminess.

Add the potato gnocchi to the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure they are submerged in the broth.
Cover and continue to cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy.
Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the fresh spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This final step ensures your gnocchi are perfectly tender, bringing together the deliciousness of your slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup recipe.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips for the Best Soup

Don't Overcook Gnocchi: Gnocchi cook quickly. Adding them in the last 20-30 minutes ensures they are tender but not gummy.
Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can remove about 1/2 cup of broth before adding the cream, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and then return it to the slow cooker.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra beans or lentils for protein.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gnocchi may soften further upon reheating.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle health, while a variety of vegetables offer a spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The broth base keeps it hydrating, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Conclusion

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Say goodbye to stressful weeknight dinners and hello to the comforting embrace of this delightful slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup recipe. Its simplicity in preparation combined with its rich, satisfying flavor makes it an instant family favorite. Perfect for chilly evenings or a hearty family meal, this easy slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.