Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lb potato gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing vegetables)

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, it’s the kind of dish I love to come home to after a long day. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, this hearty soup is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week. Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines all the goodness of comfort food with the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s incredibly satisfying without being too heavy, and the gnocchi adds a wonderful texture that makes the soup feel like a complete meal. Whether I’m feeding the whole family or just want leftovers for lunch, this soup always delivers. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Chicken broth
Onion, diced
Celery, chopped
Carrots, sliced
Garlic, minced
Dried thyme
Salt and pepper
Potato gnocchi
Fresh spinach
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Olive oil or butter (for sautéing vegetables, optional)

Directions

I start by placing the chicken, diced onion, celery, carrots, garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Then I pour in the chicken broth until everything is well covered.
I cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once the chicken is ready, I shred it right in the slow cooker using two forks.
I stir in the gnocchi and let it cook for another 30 minutes on high, or until the gnocchi is soft and cooked through.
After that, I add the fresh spinach and heavy cream, giving everything a good stir until the spinach is wilted and the soup is creamy and warm.
I taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. The total cook time is approximately 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high, with an additional 30 minutes for the gnocchi and finishing touches.

Variations

I sometimes swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a slightly earthier taste. If I’m looking to lighten it up, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. For extra depth, I sauté the veggies before adding them to the slow cooker. And if I don’t have gnocchi, I’ve used small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini in a pinch.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, I just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

How do I keep the gnocchi from getting mushy?

I always add the gnocchi toward the end of cooking, not at the beginning. That way, it stays tender without falling apart.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but I make sure to increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding. I usually go with low for 8 hours.

Is it okay to use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely. I use store-bought potato gnocchi, and it works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve made it with coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream, and it still comes out creamy and delicious.

What can I serve with this soup?

I like serving it with crusty bread, a simple side salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything I want in a comforting bowl—rich, filling, and easy to make. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I need something simple but satisfying. Whether I’m making it for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it never disappoints.