I remember the first time I tasted something similar to this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It was at a small Italian restaurant tucked away on a rainy street, and the warmth of the soup was like a comforting hug on a cold day. I knew I had to recreate that feeling at home, but make it even *easier*. Today, I’m sharing my foolproof method for the most unbelievably delicious Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup you’ll ever have!
The Magic of Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
There’s something truly special about a creamy, comforting soup, isn’t there? And when you add the pillowy softness of gnocchi and the heartiness of chicken, you’ve got a match made in culinary heaven. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a complete meal, bursting with flavor and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. And the best part? It’s made in a crockpot, meaning minimal effort for maximum reward.
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Seriously, prepare for requests for seconds (and thirds!). It’s also incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to your preferences and use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Why Choose a Crockpot for Your Gnocchi Soup?
The slow cooker, or crockpot, is a magical kitchen appliance. It takes the stress out of cooking and allows flavors to meld together beautifully over time. Here’s why it’s the perfect choice for this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup:
* **Effortless Cooking:** Simply throw everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. No constant stirring or watching required!
* **Deep Flavors:** Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and intensify, creating a richer, more complex soup.
* **Tender Chicken:** The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy as it simmers in the flavorful broth.
* **Perfect for Busy Schedules:** Prepare the soup in the morning, and it will be ready to enjoy when you get home from work or school.
* **Minimal Clean-up:** One-pot cooking means less mess to clean up afterwards.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples, and you can easily customize the list to your liking.
* **Chicken:** I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. About 1.5 – 2 pounds is perfect.
* **Gnocchi:** Shelf-stable gnocchi is what I use in this recipe. The fresh gnocchi is too delicate and falls apart while cooking in the slow cooker.
* **Chicken Broth:** Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
* **Heavy Cream:** This is what gives the soup its creamy, luxurious texture. Don’t skimp on this!
* **Aromatics:** Onion, garlic, and celery form the flavor base of the soup.
* **Vegetables:** Carrots, spinach, and any other veggies you enjoy.
* **Italian Seasoning:** Adds a classic Italian flavor to the soup.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional:** A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Guide to Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Success
Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of creamy, comforting goodness in no time.
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. **Add the Aromatics and Vegetables:** Dice the onion, garlic, and celery and scatter them over the chicken. Add the carrots as well.
3. **Season Generously:** Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning – it’s what gives the soup its flavor.
4. **Pour in the Broth:** Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
5. **Slow Cook to Perfection:** Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
6. **Shred the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
7. **Stir in the Gnocchi:** Add the gnocchi to the crockpot and stir gently. Cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender. Keep an eye on them, as they can become mushy if overcooked.
8. **Add the Creamy Touch:** Stir in the heavy cream and spinach (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through. Do not boil!
9. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
10. **Serve and Enjoy:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!
Pro Tip:
For the best flavor, I like to brown my chicken in a pan before adding it to the crockpot. This step adds an extra layer of richness to the soup, but it’s completely optional.
Success Tips: Your Secrets to the Best Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ever
Here are my top tips for ensuring your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup turns out perfectly every time.
* **Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi:** Gnocchi cooks quickly, so be sure to add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
* **Use Good Quality Broth:** The flavor of the broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the soup, so choose a good quality, flavorful broth.
* **Adjust the Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Spice it Up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.
* **Garnish Generously:** A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the soup to another level.
Variations and Substitutions
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
* **Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free gnocchi.
* **Spicy:** Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
* **Different Protein:** Swap the chicken for sausage or ground beef.
* **Extra Veggies:** Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as broccoli, corn, or peas.
Craving a soup that’s equally satisfying but with a different flair? You absolutely have to try my CAJUN CHICKEN SOUP HEAVEN. It’s got a spicy kick that will warm you right up! Or maybe you’re in the mood for something similar, but with dumplings? Then you’ve got to try my CHICKEN DUMPLING SOUP! These two recipes are perfect alternatives when you want to switch things up while still enjoying a hearty, homemade soup.
If you’re looking for another creamy pasta-based dish that’s just as comforting, you’ll adore my CREAMY CHICKEN TORTELLINI HEAVEN. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, if you’re a fan of crockpot cooking and tortellini, check out my CrockPot Chicken Tortellini!
And for an equally easy and creamy option (that’s ready in under 30!), try my CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and is perfect for a cozy night in. Or if you love the combination of chicken and rice, then you will love my CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.
* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the soup up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the gnocchi just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze this soup, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly. If freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream. Thaw completely before reheating and adding the cream.
Recipe
**Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
**Serves:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 1. 5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 stalks celery, diced
* 2 carrots, diced
* 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable gnocchi
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots over the chicken.
3. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables.
4. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
7. Stir in the gnocchi and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and spinach (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through. Do not boil!
9. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot.
Enjoy the Warmth and Comfort
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of a cozy evening, the comfort of a home-cooked meal, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to create a soup that will become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy!
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable gnocchi?
No, the recipe recommends using shelf-stable gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi is too delicate and tends to fall apart in the slow cooker.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make this soup dairy-free.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?
To prevent mushy gnocchi, add it towards the end of the cooking time (during the last 30 minutes) and keep a close eye on it.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the gnocchi just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Equipment
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Two forks
- Ladle
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped optional
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
- Stir in the heavy cream and spinach (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through. Do not boil!
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot and enjoy!
