Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any mealtime. This delightful soup combines tender chicken with soft gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s an ideal recipe for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can create a hearty soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with family and friends.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup has quickly become a favorite for many reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make; just throw your ingredients into the crockpot, and let it do the work while you go about your day. The soup is versatile and rich in flavor, with the combination of chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs creating a dish that satisfies on multiple levels. On top of that, it’s a complete meal in a bowl. Pair it with some crusty bread or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a wholesome dinner that everyone will enjoy. This soup is also perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have lunches ready to go for the week.
Ingredients about Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To make this flavorful and creamy soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Directions
Begin by preparing the ingredients for your soup. Start with dicing the carrots, celery, and onion. These vegetables provide a fantastic base for your soup, adding texture and flavor. Once you have them ready, mince the garlic. Garlic will infuse your soup with a delightful aroma and taste.
Next, layer the chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot. On top of that, add your diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. This layering helps to enhance the flavors as everything cooks together.
Now it’s time to add in the chicken broth. Pour it over the layers, ensuring all ingredients are submerged in the liquid. This broth is the heart of your soup, giving it a rich and comforting flavor. After that, sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Gently stir the mixture to combine, being careful not to disturb the chicken too much—you want it to remain whole until it’s time to shred.
Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This low and slow cooking method allows the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to release their flavors into the broth. When the cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the chicken. Carefully take the chicken out of the pot and shred it using two forks. After shredding, return the chicken back to the soup.
Now, stir in the gnocchi. Gnocchi cooks quickly, so you’ll want to increase the heat setting to high and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the gnocchi will soften and absorb the delicious flavors of the broth.
In the final moments before serving, add the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the soup has a beautiful creamy texture.
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Make sure to include a generous portion of gnocchi and vegetables in each serving. Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavors of your homemade Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Serving your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is all about enhancing the experience. Begin by ladling generous portions into warm bowls. This soup is quite filling on its own, but you can elevate the meal further by serving it with crusty bread or garlic toast. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth, making each bite even more delightful.
Consider garnishing your soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an extra touch of color and flavor. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also add a nice kick.
If you’re hosting a dinner, consider serving this soup as a starter. It pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as a simple arugula or spinach salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
You can also keep the leftovers in the crockpot on low for a buffet-style setup, allowing guests to serve themselves. Just remember to stir occasionally to prevent the gnocchi from sticking together.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
To ensure your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Chicken Choices: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, you can also use thighs for extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Vegetable Variations: Incorporate other vegetables, such as potatoes or peas, for additional nutrition and flavor. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.
- Broth Selection: Choose a low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the saltiness of your soup. You can always add more salt if needed after cooking.
- Heavy Cream Alternatives: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use a non-dairy alternative that suits your diet.
- Storage: This soup can thicken once cooled, so if you plan to store leftovers, consider reserving some broth to add back in when reheating.
- Fresh Spinach: Adding spinach at the end keeps it vibrant and nutrient-dense. If you prefer, kale is another great option that can hold up better during cooking.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Storing your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is simple. Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers. Make sure to separate the soup into portions that are easy to reheat later. This makes it convenient for meal prep during the week.
Store the soup in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days. It will be good for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions. Just ensure you leave some space in the containers, as soups can expand when frozen.
To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until heated through. If you’re using a microwave, heat it in short increments, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Variation of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
One of the best attributes of the Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some exciting variations to consider:
- Creamy Tomato Version: Mix in canned diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a flavorful twist. This adds a hint of acidity and sweetness that complements the creaminess of the soup.
- Herb Love: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh herbs like basil or dill can add a burst of flavor. Simply add them towards the end of cooking.
- Stuffed Gnocchi Alternative: Substitute traditional gnocchi with stuffed varieties, like those filled with cheese or spinach, to enhance the richness of the soup.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their soup. Adjust the amount to your preference!
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with diced potatoes or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Simple Herbed Version: Reduce the cream and increase the broth for a lighter, broth-based soup filled with delicious herbs and vegetables.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a flavorful and creamy soup made with chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables, all cooked in a slow cooker for a comforting meal.
Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Make sure to store it in airtight containers and leave space for expansion. It’s best enjoyed within a few months for optimal taste.
How do I reheat Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
You can reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between heating.
What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad. Both compliment the creamy texture of the soup, making it a satisfying meal.
How long does Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup last in the fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup can last for about 3-4 days. Ensure it is kept in an airtight container for best results.
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Thighs can be used for extra juiciness.
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or non-dairy alternatives.
- 2 cups fresh spinach Kale can be used as an alternative.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Preparation
- Dice the carrots, celery, and onion.
- Mince the garlic.
Cooking
- Layer the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic on top.
- Pour the chicken broth over the layers.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently stir to combine.
- Set the crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the soup.
- Stir in the gnocchi and increase the heat setting to high, cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls, including gnocchi and vegetables.
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