Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup – So Easy & Delicious!
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup hits the spot every time. It’s loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and rich, savory flavors, all simmered to perfection in your crockpot. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy, making it perfect for busy days. Just set it and forget it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken gnocchi soup has all the comfort of a cozy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Minimal Prep: No need to spend hours chopping and cooking.
- Rich & Creamy: Made with a blend of heavy cream and chicken broth for ultimate creaminess.
- Perfect for Busy Days: The crockpot does all the work for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting soup:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (usually found in the pasta section)
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
Pro Tip: Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor! A good broth can elevate this soup from great to amazing.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This recipe couldn’t be simpler! Just follow these steps, and your soup will be ready with minimal effort.
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, sauté the garlic, onion, and celery in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. It’s an optional step, but it enhances the soup’s depth!
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 4: Add Cream and Gnocchi
Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Cook on high for another 30 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the soup is creamy.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Serve
Just before serving, add the baby spinach and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! This soup stores and reheats beautifully.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is super flexible! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Switch up the protein: Try Italian sausage or even turkey for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for lazy days when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and flavor-packed gnocchi, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a bowl of cozy goodness! Bon appétit!