This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or when you need something hearty and satisfying. The creamy texture, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi combine with fresh vegetables and herbs to create a deliciously rich and flavorful soup. Thanks to the crockpot, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just throw in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as a meal prep option, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. The addition of fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients, while the Parmesan cheese provides a savory finish that ties everything together. This is one of those recipes that gets better with time, making it perfect for leftovers. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you have a complete, cozy meal that will warm you from the inside out.

The best part about this soup is how customizable it is. You can adjust the seasoning, swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences, or add extra vegetables to make it even more filling. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s bound to impress even the pickiest eaters in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-it-and-forget-it – The crockpot does all the work for you, making this soup incredibly convenient.
Creamy and comforting – The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich and velvety texture that makes this soup indulgent.
Packed with flavor – The combination of fresh vegetables, garlic, thyme, and parsley creates a hearty base for the soup, with a deliciously seasoned broth.
Easy to customize – Add extra veggies, switch up the protein, or use gluten-free gnocchi to suit your taste.
Perfect for meal prep – This soup stores and reheats beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

Celery
Carrot
Onion
Dried parsley
Minced garlic
Dried thyme
Salt
Pepper
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Low sodium chicken broth
Heavy cream
Cornstarch
Small gnocchi
Fresh spinach
Grated Parmesan cheese

Variations

Make it dairy-free – Use coconut milk or another dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
Add extra vegetables – Toss in additional veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or peas for more texture and flavor.
Use a different protein – Swap chicken for turkey or ground sausage for a different flavor profile.
Make it gluten-free – Opt for gluten-free gnocchi to make this soup gluten-free.
Spice it up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños for a little heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Add the chopped celery, carrot, onion, dried parsley, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.

Step 2

Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.

Step 3

Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are submerged.

Step 4

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth, then stir it into the soup.

Step 7

Add the gnocchi to the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and floating.

Step 8

Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup, then finish by stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

If you prefer a thicker soup, add a little extra cornstarch or let it cook longer on the stove after the crockpot time.
Make sure to use low-sodium chicken broth to keep the soup balanced and not too salty.
For best results, shred the chicken when it’s still warm so it incorporates well into the soup.
Stir the gnocchi gently to prevent them from sticking together during cooking.
You can adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream to your liking.

How to Serve

Serve the soup with freshly baked bread or a simple side salad. It’s also delicious when paired with a crisp green vegetable like roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans. For a bit of extra richness, top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

While gnocchi may change in texture after freezing, this soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just ensure the soup is completely cooled before placing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in individual servings, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe, though you may want to add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

2. Can I use a rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can add shredded rotisserie chicken to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a quicker version.

3. How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?

Cook the gnocchi for the recommended time, and avoid overcooking them. They should only need about 30 minutes once added to the soup.

4. Can I use another type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

Yes, you can use small pasta like orzo or ditalini, but note that the texture will be different.

5. Can I use a slow cooker on high if I don’t have enough time?

Yes, cooking on high for 3–4 hours will yield similar results to cooking on low for 6–7 hours.

6. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the soup may not be as rich and creamy.

7. Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers for an extra kick.

8. What if I don’t have fresh spinach?

You can substitute with frozen spinach or kale, or even omit the greens if you prefer a simpler soup.

9. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, this soup stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.

10. Is this soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free gnocchi, this soup can be made gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a creamy, hearty soup that’s filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables. Whether you enjoy it with bread or a salad, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger. Try it out for a delicious, family-friendly dinner that will quickly become a go-to recipe in your rotation.