Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, comforting soup, especially when it’s easy to make! This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe brings together tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich broth in a slow cooker. Enjoy this simple, delicious meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

It offers incredibly easy, hands-off cooking, letting the slow cooker do all the work.
Enjoy a wonderfully creamy texture without using heavy cream.
This soup makes a hearty and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
The flavors are family-friendly, ensuring everyone will enjoy it.
Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup: chicken breasts, a mirepoix (onions, celery, and carrots), chicken broth, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. You’ll also need seasonings like basil and Italian seasoning, plus garlic, spinach, and bacon for added flavor.

A mirepoix, which is a classic aromatic base in cooking, consists of a mixture of diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. Learn more about the culinary definition of mirepoix and its uses.

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups mirepoix (just a simple mixture of chopped onions, celery, and carrots)
1–2 teaspoons dried basil
1–2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
two 12 ounce cans evaporated milk
two 1 lb. packages gnocchi (about 4 cups)
6 slices bacon
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh baby spinach

Notes & Substitutions

Evaporated milk adds creaminess without the heaviness of cream; you can substitute with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, but you may need extra cornstarch to thicken. Evaporated milk provides a rich, creamy texture in soups and other dishes without the added sweetness of condensed milk. Discover more about the benefits of cooking with evaporated milk. Using pre-chopped mirepoix saves time, but fresh is great too! Different gnocchi types work, but potato gnocchi is classic. You can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer.

Equipment

To make this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe, you’ll need a slow cooker or Crockpot. A large skillet is helpful for cooking the bacon and spinach. Basic kitchen tools like a knife, cutting board, and ladle are also essential.

Instructions

Here are the simple steps to create this comforting soup:

In your slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, mirepoix, basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and chicken broth.
Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the pot using two forks.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this cornstarch slurry, along with the evaporated milk and gnocchi, into the crockpot.
Replace the cover and continue cooking for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the gnocchi is tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.
While the soup is thickening, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels.
Leave a bit of bacon grease in the pan, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
Add the crispy bacon and the wilted spinach to the Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper before serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Don’t be afraid to season generously; always taste and adjust! For a thicker soup, mix a bit more cornstarch with water and stir it in. Make sure the carrots in your mirepoix are finely diced to ensure they cook through. For extra crispy bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat. Avoid overcooking the gnocchi, or they can become mushy.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Serve this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage: Store leftover soup in the refrigerator. Add a little broth or water when reheating, as the gnocchi will absorb some of the liquid.

Make Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and measure out the spices ahead of time to make the cooking process even faster.

Variations:

Instant Pot: Adapt the cooking times for a pressure cooker if you’re short on time.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk and add extra cornstarch to thicken the soup.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and bacon, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Add other vegetables like kale, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrients and flavor.

Nutrition Information

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup provides a balanced and satisfying meal. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	282 calories
Sugar Content	6.3 g
Sodium Content	955.1 mg
Fat Content	5.3 g
Saturated Fat Content	2 g
Trans Fat Content	0 g
Carbohydrate Content	38.4 g
Fiber Content	0.7 g
Protein Content	19.4 g
Cholesterol Content	39 mg

Enjoy this soup knowing it’s packed with wholesome ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of packaged?
Yes, fresh gnocchi works great. Keep a close eye on the cooking time as it may cook faster than packaged gnocchi.

How do I prevent gnocchi from becoming mushy in my Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Add the gnocchi during the last 45 minutes to 1 hour of cooking to prevent overcooking. This ensures they stay tender but not mushy.

Can I make this soup ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Store it in the refrigerator and add a little broth when reheating.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well because they are lean and shred easily. Chicken thighs are a good alternative.

How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to kick up the heat.

Is it possible to freeze leftover Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Freezing leftover soup is possible, but keep in mind the texture of the gnocchi may change.

Can I use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream for evaporated milk, but it will result in a richer, higher-fat soup.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi is simply irresistible. Give this easy slow cooker recipe a try, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready for even the busiest weeknights.