Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that combines the tender heartiness of chicken, the delightful chew of gnocchi, and the warmth of a cozy broth. This soup not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul, making it perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. Each spoonful is velvety and packed with flavor, offering a satisfying bite that never fails to bring a smile. If you’ve ever craved something hearty yet effortlessly simple, this is your go-to recipe.
I first discovered this dish during a particularly busy winter week, searching for something easy to throw together in the slow cooker. With just a few short prep steps followed by hours of simmering, I was able to come home to a delicious, bubbling pot of goodness. Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only a budget-friendly option, but it also caters to the whole family, picky eaters included! The ingredients work harmoniously to create an inviting aroma that fills your home, beckoning everyone to the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep takes only about 10 minutes, and the slow cooker does all the hard work.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of tender chicken, gnocchi, and spices creates a rich, fulfilling taste that’s beyond restaurant-worthy.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the carrots and spinach make this soup a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests during a gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free gnocchi.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs provide juicy, flavorful meat that stands up well to slow cooking. You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred, though they may be slightly drier.
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped: Carrots add natural sweetness and color. You can replace them with other veggies like celery or bell peppers.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: This helps to thicken the soup for a creamy, satisfying consistency.
- 1 teaspoon herb and garlic seasoning: A blend of these spices amplifies the flavor profile. Feel free to use your favorite seasoning mix or fresh herbs instead.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the soup.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth: This forms the base of your soup. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- 12 oz evaporated milk: This ingredient lends creaminess without the heaviness of cream. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half.
- 18 oz dried gnocchi (1 package): Gnocchi adds a unique texture and heartiness. Fresh gnocchi works too but may need less cooking time.
- 2 oz baby spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and color. You could replace it with kale or omit it entirely if desired.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Prepare the Ingredients: Place the chicken thighs, chopped carrots, herb and garlic seasoning, cornstarch, and salt into the slow cooker. Make sure to toss the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with cornstarch.
- Add the Chicken Broth: Gradually stir in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth, mixing well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks or break it into large pieces to keep a bit of texture.
- Incorporate the Creaminess: Stir in 12 oz of evaporated milk, 18 oz of dried gnocchi, and 2 oz of baby spinach. Give everything a good mix.
- Final Cook: Cover the slow cooker again and return it to high heat for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through and the soup is piping hot.
Storing & Reheating
For best results, store any leftovers of your slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze it, pour individual portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to leave space for expanding liquids, and keep them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Be aware that the gnocchi may soften a bit upon reheating, but a quick stir can bring back some of that original texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on the cooking time based on your slow cooker’s heat levels.
- Ensure your chicken thighs are as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.
- If the soup becomes too thick after cooling, simply add a splash of extra chicken broth or water when reheating.
- Feel free to experiment with seasonings; adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a nice kick.
- Using frozen spinach can save time, just toss it in straight from the freezer, it will thaw quickly in the warm broth.
It’s hard not to fall in love with this cozy, comforting bowl of goodness. Every spoonful reminds me of food shared with loved ones, laughter around the table, and the joy of a home-cooked meal. As you explore this recipe, don’t hesitate to tweak it according to your preference or what you have on hand. Enjoy making this recipe your own, and share your version with friends and family—there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup to bring everyone together.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken thighs; just increase the cooking time by about an hour for both low and high settings to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup, simply substitute the evaporated milk with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.
What can I use instead of gnocchi?
If gnocchi isn’t accessible, consider using small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How do I adjust the spice level in this soup?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less herb and garlic seasoning according to your taste. If you enjoy a spicy kick, include some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mix before serving!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting bowl filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach. Perfect for quick dinners and packed with delicious flavors, it’s a family favorite for any occasion.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 carrots peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon herb and garlic seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz evaporated milk for later
- 18 oz dried gnocchi 1 package, for later
- 2 oz baby spinach for later
Instructions
- Add chicken, carrots, seasonings, and cornstarch to slow cooker.
- Toss ingredients to coat well with cornstarch.
- Slowly stir in chicken broth, then keep stirring until cornstarch dissolves.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken with forks (or break apart into large chunks).
- Add evaporated milk, gnocchi, and spinach to slow cooker.
- Cover and return to high heat for 15-30 minutes, until gnocchi is tender and soup is thoroughly heated through.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using freshly chopped herbs like thyme or parsley.
This soup freezes well; just make sure to add the gnocchi after thawing it.
Adjust seasoning to taste for a more personalized flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
