There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup bubbling away, ready to greet you with a creamy, cozy hug in a bowl. This classic favorite brings together tender shreds of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, sweet carrots, crunchy celery, and vibrant spinach in a rich, herb-laced broth. Whether you’re craving something hearty for a chilly night or need a crowd-pleasing dish for busy weekdays, Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers all the flavor and warmth with minimal fuss.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple, everyday ingredients—each one adding its own magic to the flavor and color. From fresh vegetables to creamy evaporated milk, every element plays an essential role in bringing out the comforting character of this soup.

Yellow Onion: Diced onions lend a delicate sweetness and savory base to the soup.
Carrots: Grated fresh for both color and a subtle sweetness that beautifully lifts the broth.
Celery: Sliced celery layers in crunch and that classic soup aroma you know and love.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces shred perfectly after slow cooking, making the soup heartier.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential, these seasonings highlight every ingredient’s best flavors.
Chicken Broth: A low-sodium broth forms the soup’s comforting, savory backbone.
Dried Garlic Powder: Amp up the depth of flavor with this easy pantry staple.
Dried Thyme: Just the right touch of earthiness to complement the chicken and vegetables.
Dried Rosemary: A little goes a long way—adds herbal brightness to the soup.
Fresh Garlic: Minced for that unmistakable bite and fresh aroma that brings everything together.
Cornstarch: Whisked in to thicken the soup to the perfect creamy consistency—more if you prefer extra thick!
Evaporated Milk: Delivers creamy richness without the heaviness of cream—classic comfort in every spoonful.
Gnocchi: These soft, pillowy Italian dumplings become tender but satisfyingly chewy as they soak up the broth.
Baby Spinach: Gently stirred in at the end for a burst of color, nutrients, and a fresh green flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Layer Your Veggies and Chicken

Start by placing the diced onion, grated carrots, and sliced celery right in the bottom of your slow cooker. These veggies will infuse the whole soup with their sweet and savory flavors as they gently cook. Lay your chicken breasts over the vegetables, then season generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, as it cooks while soaking up all those tasty juices.

Step 2: Mix Up the Herbed Broth

Combine the chicken broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and minced fresh garlic in a large measuring jug or mixing bowl. Give it all a big stir, then pour this seasoned broth right over the chicken and veggies. The herbs will slowly infuse the entire soup with that irresistible home-cooked aroma.

Step 3: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic

Now, let the crockpot do the heavy lifting! Cover and cook everything on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW for 7 to 8 hours. As it cooks, the chicken will turn meltingly tender, and the veggies will become soft and flavorful, absorbing that wonderful herby broth.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, open the lid and carefully transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Grab two forks and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—it should come apart beautifully. This step is key for that classic, hearty texture we love in Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Step 5: Thicken, Add Gnocchi, and Simmer

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the evaporated milk until completely smooth. Stir this creamy mix, along with the shredded chicken and gnocchi, into the soup. Cover, and let everything cook for another 45 minutes on HIGH. The gnocchi will become tender, the soup will thicken, and all those flavors marry together into absolute comfort in a bowl.

Step 6: Finish With Spinach and Serve

Lift the lid, toss in your baby spinach, and stir until the greens are just wilted. This last-minute addition brightens up the entire pot and makes every bowl as appealing to look at as it is to eat. Taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Finish off each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper, a scattering of grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of good olive oil for a touch of richness. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil make a lovely, colorful garnish and an aromatic finishing flair.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup pairs beautifully with a hearty, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls—perfect for dunking and scooping up every last drop. You can also serve it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, or even a platter of roasted vegetables for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try serving your soup in individual bread bowls for an extra-special touch. Or, ladle it into oversized mugs for a casual, cozy vibe that’s great for game night or family movie evenings. You could even offer a toppings bar with grated cheese, red pepper flakes, and crispy bacon crumbles—let everyone customize their bowl of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup for a memorable meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra soup, simply let it cool to room temperature before storing it in airtight containers in the fridge. Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors just get deeper and more comforting as they mingle.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup, though it’s best to do so before you add the gnocchi and spinach for best texture. Cool the base soup, ladle into freezer containers, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, reheat, then add fresh gnocchi and spinach as it simmers.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or milk to adjust the consistency. Make sure it’s heated all the way through and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just add the cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken during the last hour of cooking, along with the gnocchi and evaporated milk mixture. This shortcut makes Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup even faster for busy days.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable potato gnocchi is recommended since it holds up well in soup; you’ll find it in the pasta aisle. If you want to use homemade or refrigerated gnocchi, just keep an eye on texture and adjust the cook time for a perfect bite.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

You sure can! Swap the evaporated milk for your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk (like oat or almond) combined with a bit of cashew cream or coconut milk for richness. The soup will still be creamy and delicious.

How do I thicken or thin the soup to my preference?

For a thicker soup, use the full two tablespoons cornstarch, or even mash a few gnocchi into the broth at the end to add body. If you like your soup on the thinner side, just add a splash more broth or milk before serving.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is wonderfully flexible—try adding mushrooms, diced zucchini, peas, or even a handful of kale. Just toss them in with the other vegetables at the start, and your soup will be extra vibrant and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re daydreaming about the ultimate cozy dinner, this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup simply delivers. It’s easy, delicious, and a true crowd-pleaser—give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen all year long!

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with vegetables, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy broth, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Instructions

Place vegetables and chicken in slow cooker: Place diced onion, grated carrots, and sliced celery in the slow cooker. Season chicken with salt & pepper and place on top of vegetables.
Add seasoned broth: Mix chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Pour over chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Slow cook: Cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Finish cooking: Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk, then add to the soup with gnocchi and shredded chicken. Cook for another 45 minutes on HIGH.
Add spinach and serve: Stir in baby spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.