Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Tender chicken and potato gnocchi come together in this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, creating a rich, creamy broth perfect for any occasion. This comfort food favorite is both easy to make and full of flavor. Ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week, this soup stands out with its delightful combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken stock and cream creates a comforting base that warms you up.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike; it’s a dish everyone will love!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that simplify the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows hands-free cooking, making meal prep easy while developing deep flavors.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for quick and precise cutting of vegetables.

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Ingredients

Tender chicken and potato gnocchi in a rich, creamy broth with fresh vegetables. An easy slow cooker comfort food favorite!

For the Soup Base

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3-4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1-2 stalks celery, chopped
• ½ medium yellow or white onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced

For Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken base (optional)
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Broth and Creaminess

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup cream or half and half
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch

For Finishing Touches

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 4 slices cooked Turkey Bacon, crumbled (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your vegetables. Chop the carrots, celery, onion, and mince the garlic. This step ensures everything cooks evenly.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add your chicken, veggies (carrots, celery, onion), parsley, garlic, and seasonings into the slow cooker. If you’re using bouillon or pepper flakes, stir them in as well.

Step 3: Add Chicken Stock

Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock over the ingredients. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.

Step 4: Cook

Cover your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. This makes it easier to incorporate into the soup.

Step 6: Add Cream and Gnocchi

Mix together your cream with cornstarch until smooth. Add this mixture along with the gnocchi and spinach into the slow cooker. Cook on high for another 30-45 minutes until gnocchi are tender.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency

If you prefer a thicker soup, mix additional cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the pot. Taste your soup one last time to adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls. Top with crumbled Turkey Bacon if desired! Enjoy your hearty meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup can elevate your meal experience. This creamy soup is not only hearty but can also be paired with various sides and toppings to enhance its flavors.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s richness.

Include Crunchy Toppings

• Croutons: Top with homemade or store-bought croutons for added texture.
• Toasted Seeds: Sunflower or pumpkin seeds bring a nutty flavor and crunch.

Serve with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls offer a comforting side, perfect for dipping.

Complement with Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and crunch alongside the soup.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Achieving the best flavor and texture in your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is simple with these tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken stock for enhanced flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
• Shred Chicken Well: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly shredded to distribute evenly throughout the soup.
• Add Cream Gradually: Mix cream with cornstarch before adding it in to prevent curdling in the slow cooker.
• Cook Gnocchi Last: Add gnocchi towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes like herbs and optional toppings—they add visual appeal and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup enhances your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Classic choice that pairs well, allowing you to soak up every drop of soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens add a crisp contrast to the creamy soup—toss with a light vinaigrette.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil complement the flavors while adding nutrition.
4. Cheesy Biscuit Slices: Flaky biscuits topped with cheese make for a delightful, indulgent side.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer a delicious bite-sized option alongside your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad brings an earthy element that balances the richness of the soup.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a comforting touch, great for dipping!
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide another layer of texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality chicken or stock can diminish the flavor of your soup. Always opt for fresh ingredients to enhance taste.
• Overloading the slow cooker: Filling the cooker too much can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to recommended ingredient amounts for best results.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your soup adequately can result in bland flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
• Not shredding chicken properly: Leaving large pieces of chicken can create an uneven texture. Shred the chicken thoroughly before adding the cream and gnocchi.
• Neglecting to thicken the soup: If your soup is too thin, it won’t have that comforting creaminess. Use cornstarch mixed with cold water to achieve your desired consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring often until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs or breasts. Just ensure they are fully cooked before shredding.

How do I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include other veggies like peas or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

What can I substitute for gnocchi?

If you don’t have gnocchi, you can use small pasta shapes such as orzo or ditalini instead.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer preservation.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only a comforting dish but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your tastes. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and offers warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. Try it out and enjoy a delightful meal!