Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts; 2 cups matchstick carrots; 1 cup diced onion; 2 stalks celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic; 3 ½ TB Italian seasoning; 4 cups chicken stock; 1 lb potato gnocchi; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 29 reviews

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the kind of cozy, soul-warming comfort food I crave once the weather even thinks about turning chilly—or honestly, any time I need a hug in a bowl. Imagine plump pillows of potato gnocchi, tender chicken, and a creamy, savory broth mingling with sweet carrots, zingy garlic, and a shower of spinach and Parmesan. What makes this soup so fabulous (besides how easy it is) is that every spoonful brings a balance of rustic flavors and creamy textures that make second helpings nearly mandatory.

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is that each ingredient plays its own delicious role—there are no fillers here! Every single component adds something important, from richness to brightness and even a pop of color, so you get a soup that’s as satisfying to look at as it is to eat.

Chicken breasts: They cook up meltingly tender in the slow cooker, infusing the broth with flavor while staying juicy and shreddable.
Matchstick carrots: These bring a natural sweetness and a pleasant bite, plus some vibrant orange color.
Onion (diced): A must for building a savory flavor base—yellow or sweet onions work beautifully.
Celery (diced): Adds an aromatic layer of flavor and a bit of green to brighten the bowl.
Garlic (cloves): Fresh garlic infuses savory depth into the broth and adds irresistible aroma.
Italian seasoning: This brings a balanced bouquet of herbs for that signature “classic soup” scent and taste.
Chicken stock: Acts as the main liquid, infusing everything with extra savory goodness—opt for low-sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.
Potato gnocchi: The star starch! These little dumplings get perfectly pillowy as they simmer.
Heavy cream: Provides that decadent, silky texture which transforms the broth into something luxurious.
Fresh baby spinach: Stirred in at the end, spinach adds freshness, nutrients, and a pop of green that just looks so inviting.
Shredded Parmesan: Salty, nutty cheese that melts into the soup and crowns each bowl with extra flavor.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning everything just to your liking. Always taste and adjust at the end!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Start by adding the chicken breasts, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and Italian seasoning directly into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock, making sure everything is nestled down so the flavors have a chance to mingle. The slow cooker method is pure magic here because it lets each ingredient open up and lend its character while you go about your day.

Step 2: Cook Until Perfectly Tender

Set your slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours or on high for 4 hours. Either way, you want the chicken to become so tender that it practically falls apart at a gentle touch. Bonus: your entire kitchen will start to smell incredible as the soup simmers away!

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the crock. If you prefer, you can also remove the chicken to a board, shred, and then return it to the soup. Either way, those juicy bits will absorb and distribute flavor in every bite of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi, Cream, and Spinach

This is where the soup gets dreamy! Stir in the potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and baby spinach. Pop the lid back on and cook for about 30 minutes more, just until the gnocchi are cooked through and floating and the spinach is vibrant and wilted but still green.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Before serving, stir in the shredded Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese melts right in, making the whole pot rich and velvety. Every spoonful of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup should be steamy, creamy, and speckled with green and orange—absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Scatter a handful of extra Parmesan over each bowl for a cheesy crown, or add a sprinkle of fresh-cracked black pepper for a bite of warmth. Fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil can also make your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup look extra special and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This soup loves a classic sidekick like crusty bread or buttery garlic toast—perfect for dunking and sopping up every last drop. For something lighter, serve it with a refreshing green salad featuring bright vinaigrette, which balances the soup’s creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup in big rustic bowls for family-style coziness, or ladle it into mugs for grab-and-go casual gatherings. If you’re feeling fancy, hollow out small bread bowls and pour the soup right in. Don’t be afraid to set up a “toppings bar” with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs for guests to DIY their perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making reheated bowls possibly even better than the first round!

Freezing

Planning to freeze portions? It’s best to do so before adding the gnocchi and cream. Freeze the soup base in zip-top bags or freezer containers for up to 2 months; when ready to enjoy, thaw, heat up, then add gnocchi, cream, and spinach for the final simmer.

Reheating

Gently rewarm the soup on the stove or in the microwave, stirring and heating until hot but not boiling—especially important to prevent the cream from separating and keep the gnocchi tender.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully! Just add it towards the end with the gnocchi and spinach, since it only needs to warm through rather than cook all day.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese in place of the Parmesan.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Frozen gnocchi works perfectly! No need to thaw—just stir it in as you would the fresh kind, and let it cook until tender and floating.

What’s the best way to thicken or thin the soup if needed?

If the soup’s too thick after adding gnocchi and cream, stir in a little more chicken stock. For a thicker texture, let it simmer uncovered, or mash a few gnocchi into the soup during the final cook.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?

You sure can! Omit the chicken, use vegetable stock, and toss in more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or leeks. The result is still rich, hearty, and so satisfying.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup enough—it’s easy, it feeds a crowd, and it’s the kind of recipe that makes ordinary days feel like special occasions. Try it just once, and I promise you’ll be coming back for this warm and creamy bowlful again and again. Happy cooking!