There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup to soothe your soul on a chilly evening. This creamy, hearty soup is packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables, making it the ultimate comfort food.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season when I needed something easy yet satisfying to feed my family. Since then, it’s become a staple in our home, especially during the fall and winter months. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to embrace your new favorite slow cooker recipe. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is as effortless as it is delicious, and it checks all the boxes for a cozy, family-friendly meal.

First and foremost, this soup is incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep work, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to focus on other things while dinner cooks itself.

Another highlight is the luxurious, creamy texture. The combination of heavy cream and tender gnocchi creates a rich base that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or a crowd, it’s a guaranteed hit.

And let’s not forget how perfect this soup is for meal prep. It stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead lunches or dinners. Ready to give it a try? Let’s talk about what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Chicken thighs are my go-to for this recipe. Their natural richness and tenderness hold up beautifully during the slow cooking process, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth pieces of chicken. If you prefer, chicken breasts work well too.

Gnocchi is the star of the show here. These little potato dumplings add heartiness to the soup and soak up the creamy broth like a dream. Be sure to use store-bought gnocchi for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.

The vegetables are essential for flavor and nutrition. A classic mix of diced onions, celery, and carrots forms the base, while fresh spinach adds a burst of color and a touch of earthiness at the end.

Heavy cream gives the soup its creamy, velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, but the soup will be slightly less rich.

A sprinkle of seasonings—including garlic, thyme, and a hint of nutmeg—brings all the flavors together, making every bite warm and inviting.

Lastly, you’ll need a slow cooker for this recipe. If you don’t already have one, this is the perfect excuse to invest in one—it’s a game-changer for effortless meals like this.

How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating this comforting soup is as easy as it gets. Let’s walk through the process step by step so you can see just how simple it is to pull together.

Start by preparing your vegetables. Dice the onions, celery, and carrots into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Mince your garlic for that essential aromatic base.

Add your chicken thighs, vegetables, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, letting the flavors meld together as the chicken becomes tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then stir in the gnocchi and spinach.

Pour in the heavy cream, and let the soup continue to cook on high for 20-30 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley for extra flair.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this soup stores wonderfully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to suit your preferences.

For a gluten-free version, swap the traditional gnocchi for gluten-free gnocchi or small diced potatoes.

Want to add more protein? Stir in some cooked bacon or diced ham for an extra smoky, savory note.

If you prefer a dairy-free soup, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream. While the flavor will be slightly different, it’s still delicious and creamy.

Feel free to experiment with the vegetables, too. Mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn would make great additions to the mix.

No matter how you make it your own, this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!