There's nothing cozier than a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly day. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something comforting yet effortless. Tossing everything into a slow cooker in the morning and coming home to the tantalizing aroma of a ready-made meal was a game changer. Let's dive into why this recipe will soon become a staple in your home.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Get ready to embrace the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.
First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few minutes of prep time, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, simmering everything to perfection while you go about your day.
The flavors are irresistible. From the tender chunks of chicken to the delicate gnocchi and a creamy broth infused with herbs, every spoonful is a delight.
This recipe is also surprisingly versatile. You can swap out ingredients or add extras to suit your family’s preferences, making it a foolproof dish for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.
Finally, it's a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash – a win for busy cooks everywhere.
Ready to give this recipe a try? Let’s start with the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its combination of wholesome ingredients. Here's a closer look at what makes this soup shine:
Chicken: For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay tender during the slow cooking process, though chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer a leaner option.
Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy dumplings are the star of the soup. Shelf-stable gnocchi works beautifully, but fresh or frozen gnocchi will make the soup extra indulgent.
Vegetables: A mix of celery, carrots, and onions forms the aromatic base of the soup. Feel free to add spinach or kale for an extra burst of color and nutrients.
Broth and Cream: A combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates the rich, velvety broth. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, though it won’t be as creamy.
Herbs and Spices: A dash of thyme and parsley brings out the comforting flavors of this soup, while garlic adds depth. Don't skip the seasoning – it’s what makes the soup truly irresistible.
Special Equipment: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, allowing all the ingredients to cook evenly and develop their flavors.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Prepare the base: Start by adding diced chicken, celery, carrots, onion, minced garlic, and seasonings to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir to combine.
- Cook low and slow: Set the slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours (or 3-4 hours on high). During this time, the chicken becomes tender and the vegetables soften, infusing the broth with flavor.
- Shred the chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the cream and gnocchi: Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi, then let the soup cook for another 20-30 minutes on high until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
In under 8 hours (with minimal effort on your part), you'll have a hearty, creamy soup that's sure to become a favorite.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this soup stores beautifully:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
- Freeze: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
Variations and Substitutions
This soup is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are some variations to try:
- Protein Swap: Use diced turkey, sausage, or even tofu for a different take on the soup.
- Vegetable Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free gnocchi to make this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk for the cream and use a dairy-free butter alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients.
Closing
There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup waiting for you. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and fluffy gnocchi, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy by yourself, this soup is sure to impress. Give it a try, and watch it become a beloved part of your recipe collection!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Made with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies in a creamy broth, this dish is a comforting and easy slow-cooker recipe. Ideal for cozy winter nights or any day you crave a warm, satisfying bowl of soup!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 16 oz gnocchi
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Add chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper into a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it with a fork, and return to the slow cooker.
- Stir in heavy cream and baby spinach. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add gnocchi and cook for another 10-15 minutes until gnocchi is tender.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with water to thicken the soup. Stir it in and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Fresh herbs can be used for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
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