Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate in cold-weather comfort food. A rich and velvety broth hugs every bite of pillowy gnocchi, with tender shredded chicken and earthy spinach adding both heartiness and nutrition. Slow-cooked to perfection, it fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Whether you’re looking for a nourishing weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunch that gets better by the day, this soup fits the bill. It’s versatile, satisfying, and comes together with minimal effort thanks to your trusty crockpot. One bowl might not be enough — so make extra!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups gnocchi
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Place the chicken, chicken broth, diced onion, garlic, salt, and pepper into your crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
Stir in the gnocchi, chopped spinach, and heavy cream.
Cook on high for another 20-30 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and the soup is creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6 hrs 10 min
Kcal: ~390 kcal per serving | Servings: 6

The Comforting Origins of Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken gnocchi soup, a beloved comfort food, draws its inspiration from Italian-American cuisine, where hearty meals with creamy textures and carb-rich bases are highly favored. While traditional gnocchi dishes are often baked or sautéed with rich sauces, this recipe turns those flavors into a warm, soul-satisfying soup. Gnocchi, Italian for “lumps” or “knots,” are soft, pillow-like dumplings typically made with potatoes and flour. When added to soup, they absorb the flavorful broth and provide a filling base that’s both tender and comforting.

Combining gnocchi with shredded chicken and leafy greens like spinach creates a one-pot wonder that is as nutritious as it is satisfying. The use of a crockpot (or slow cooker) further enhances the convenience and flavor, allowing the ingredients to slowly meld together over time. This cooking method also ensures a hands-off approach—ideal for busy families or anyone who wants a homemade meal without hovering over the stove.

Why This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Stands Out

Among the many varieties of chicken soups out there, this version holds a special place due to its unique texture, creamy broth, and the chewy satisfaction that gnocchi brings. Here’s why this particular recipe stands out from other comfort food options:

Depth of Flavor: Cooking the chicken low and slow in a flavorful broth infused with garlic and onion brings out an exceptional depth of taste. The richness of the cream adds luxuriousness to every spoonful.
Perfect Texture: The gnocchi are added toward the end of cooking, which keeps them from becoming mushy. They stay soft and pillowy—just the way they should be.
Balanced Ingredients: With lean chicken breast, vibrant spinach, and a silky cream base, this dish manages to strike a balance between indulgence and health.
Customizable: You can add mushrooms, carrots, or even peas to make it your own. For a lighter version, simply swap out the cream for a plant-based alternative or use milk.
One-Pot Simplicity: You get the satisfaction of a gourmet meal with very little cleanup, thanks to your trusty slow cooker.

Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients

Although this recipe feels indulgent, it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that bring a host of health benefits:

Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein, chicken breast is low in fat and high in essential nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium. Protein supports muscle health, immune function, and satiety.
Spinach: This leafy green is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and magnesium. It adds fiber and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the soup.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatic vegetables do more than enhance flavor—they support immune health, regulate blood pressure, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Gnocchi: While gnocchi is a starchy carb, it’s also a quick-energy source. Using whole wheat gnocchi or gluten-free versions can make it suitable for various dietary needs.

By choosing quality, whole ingredients, this soup becomes a dish that nourishes the body and warms the soul.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Another reason this recipe is a favorite in busy households is its suitability for meal prep. One batch yields multiple servings and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. In fact, the flavor often improves the next day as the ingredients continue to marinate in the broth.

Here’s why it works so well for prepping ahead:

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, pop them into the crockpot in the morning, and return to a hot, home-cooked dinner.
Freezer-Friendly (with a trick): While soups with cream can sometimes separate when frozen, if you hold back the cream and gnocchi, freeze the base, then add those elements when reheating, it turns out perfect.
Portable Lunch: This soup is easy to reheat and take with you to work or school, making it ideal for packed lunches.

Tips for Making It Even Better

Want to elevate this recipe to restaurant-quality? Here are a few chef-level tips:

Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If you have the time, using homemade broth will boost the soup’s flavor immensely. You’ll taste the difference in every bite.
Add Herbs at the End: Stir in fresh thyme or chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Saute Aromatics First (optional): For deeper flavor, you can sauté the garlic and onions in a bit of butter or olive oil before adding them to the crockpot.
Finish with Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving adds umami depth and creaminess.

Variations to Try

This soup is highly versatile and welcomes personal touches. Here are some variations to suit different preferences:

Low-Carb Version: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew milk in place of heavy cream, and swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicier version.
More Veggies: Add mushrooms, carrots, leeks, or kale to up the veggie content and add texture.

These tweaks allow the soup to fit various lifestyles without compromising on flavor.

What Makes This the Ultimate Crockpot Recipe?

Let’s face it—most of us want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This soup checks every box: taste, texture, nutrition, ease, and versatility. It’s the kind of meal that invites people back for seconds (and thirds), makes your house smell amazing, and brings genuine satisfaction after a long day.

Using a crockpot means you’re using one of the most efficient kitchen appliances for developing rich flavors. The long, slow simmer melds the ingredients in a way that stovetop cooking simply can’t replicate. Plus, it gives you freedom during the day to get things done while dinner cooks itself.

For parents, professionals, students, and home cooks of all levels, this is a soup that delivers gourmet comfort with grocery store basics.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Blending the rustic charm of Italian gnocchi with the comfort of a creamy chicken soup, it creates a dish that nourishes, satisfies, and comforts all at once. Easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to serve guests, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Whether you’re a busy cook looking for a fuss-free dinner, a meal prepper in search of hearty leftovers, or simply someone who loves creamy, satisfying soups, this one’s for you. Try it once, and you’ll come back to it all season long. It’s the definition of comfort food made easy—and we all need more of that in our live