Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Soup
– 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package (16 oz / 450 g) potato gnocchi
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– 2 cups fresh baby spinach
For the Creamy Finish
– 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
– ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for extra thickness)
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
1. Wash and peel the carrots.
2. Slice the carrots into thin rounds.
3. Dice the celery into small pieces.
4. Finely chop the onion.
5. Mince the garlic cloves.
6. Wash the spinach and set aside.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the CrockPot.
2. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic over the ingredients.
4. Pour in the chicken broth.
5. Add Italian seasoning, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
6. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings.
3. Slow Cook the Chicken
1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
2. Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
3. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
4. Shred the Chicken
1. Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts.
2. Place them on a cutting board or large plate.
3. Shred the chicken using two forks.
4. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. Stir gently to combine with the vegetables and broth.
5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Add flour and whisk for approximately 1 minute.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously.
4. Add heavy cream.
5. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Add Parmesan cheese if desired.
7. Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently.
For a simpler method, you can add the cream directly to the slow cooker without making a flour mixture.
6. Add the Potato Gnocchi
1. Add the potato gnocchi to the slow cooker.
2. Stir gently so the gnocchi are distributed throughout the soup.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 20–30 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender.
4. Avoid overcooking because gnocchi can become too soft.
7. Add Fresh Spinach
1. Add the fresh baby spinach.
2. Stir gently until the spinach wilts into the hot soup.
3. Cook for another 3–5 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and seasonings.
5. If the soup is too thick, add a little warm chicken broth.
8. Serve
1. Ladle the creamy chicken gnocchi soup into serving bowls.
2. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and black pepper.
4. Serve immediately with warm garlic bread or crusty rolls.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 350–410 kcal
Protein 25–30 g
Carbohydrates 30–36 g
Total Fat 13–18 g
Saturated Fat 7–10 g
Fiber 2–3 g
Sugar 3–5 g
Sodium 550–750 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the gnocchi, broth, cream, and cheese brands.
Nut & Allergen Information
No nuts intentionally included
– Peanuts: Not included in the basic recipe.
– Tree Nuts: Not included in the basic recipe.
– Dairy: Contains heavy cream, milk, butter, and optional Parmesan.
– Gluten/Wheat: Potato gnocchi and all-purpose flour commonly contain wheat.
– Soy: Check packaged gnocchi and broth labels.
– Other Allergens: Check all packaged ingredients for possible cross-contact warnings.
Nut-Free Note: This recipe does not require peanuts or tree nuts. Always check product labels and use clean cooking equipment when preparing food for someone with a serious nut allergy.
Q/S – Questions & Suggestions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. They are juicy and flavorful and work beautifully in slow cooker soups.
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen potato gnocchi can be used. Add them near the end of cooking and allow extra time until tender.
Q: Can I use shelf-stable gnocchi?
Absolutely! Shelf-stable gnocchi work well. Follow the package instructions and cook until tender.
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half creates a slightly lighter soup while still providing a creamy texture.
Q: Can I add mushrooms?
Yes! Sliced mushrooms make a delicious addition and complement the chicken and creamy broth.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, zucchini, and extra spinach are wonderful additions.
Q: How do I make the soup thicker?
Add a flour-and-butter mixture or a cornstarch slurry. Allow the soup to simmer until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes! Cook the chicken and vegetables in a large pot with broth until the chicken is fully cooked. Shred the chicken, add the creamy mixture and gnocchi, and simmer until the gnocchi are tender. Add spinach at the end.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze chicken gnocchi soup?
Freezing is possible, but cream and gnocchi may change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken and broth base without cream or gnocchi, then add those ingredients when reheating.
Q: What should I serve with chicken gnocchi soup?
It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, crusty French bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or buttery dinner rolls.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Chicken Gnocchi Soup
– Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
– Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender.
– Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
– Add gnocchi near the end to prevent them from becoming mushy.
– Add spinach just before serving to preserve its fresh green color.
– Use freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
– Adjust the broth to achieve your preferred soup consistency.
Final Result: A warm, creamy, and hearty chicken gnocchi soup filled with tender shredded chicken, soft potato gnocchi, sweet carrots, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic-herb cream broth. A comforting homemade meal the entire family will love!