If you are craving a heartwarming, velvety, and richly flavored meal, this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi all slow-cooked to perfection in a creamy broth that comforts every bite. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this soup fills your home with inviting aromas and your bowl with pure comfort. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is the secret to unlocking its delicious and balanced flavors. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s bringing freshness, richness, or that satisfying tender texture to the soup.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Thighs add juicy tenderness and depth, but breasts work perfectly too if you prefer leaner meat.
- Carrots, small diced: Give the soup a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- White onion, small diced: Essential for building a savory, aromatic base.
- Celery, small diced: Adds a slight crunch and earthy balance to the mix.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens each spoonful.
- Herbes de Provence or poultry seasoning: Infuses that signature comforting and aromatic flavor perfect for chicken dishes.
- Paprika: Adds a whisper of smoky warmth and a lovely hue.
- Red pepper chili flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that wakes up the taste buds without overpowering the soup.
- Chicken bouillon (or cube): Concentrates savory richness, enhancing the broth’s depth.
- Garlic, pressed: Delivers pungent, savory goodness that complements the poultry beautifully.
- Chicken stock or broth: The soul of the soup, providing a flavorful and comforting liquid base.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t be shy here; seasoning carefully layers the flavors harmoniously.
- Potato gnocchi: These tender dumplings soak up the creamy broth, adding wonderful texture and heartiness.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light thickness that enhances the soup’s luscious mouthfeel without heaviness.
- Half and half or heavy cream: Brings indulgence, turning the broth silky and creamy.
- Baby spinach or curly kale, torn or chopped: Adds fresh green vibrancy and a healthful touch.
- Fresh Parmesan, for garnish: A final sprinkle of umami-rich cheese lifts each serving to the next level.
- Prosciutto: Crisps up into salty, crunchy perfection to dramatically elevate the soup’s texture and flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by adding the chicken thighs along with the diced carrots, onion, celery, and fresh parsley right into your slow cooker. Sprinkle the Herbes de Provence, paprika, and optional chili flakes over everything. Add the chicken bouillon for concentrated flavor, press in your garlic cloves, and pour in the chicken stock. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir gently to combine all these fantastic flavors before closing the lid. This is the flavor foundation that will slowly develop into the heartwarming soup you’re craving.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your crockpot to low and let the magic happen over 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, use high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become incredibly tender, and the vegetables will soften, releasing their natural sweetness and deepening the broth’s taste. This slow, steady cooking is what makes the soup so rich and comforting.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces—this texture is what makes the soup so satisfying. Toss the shredded chicken back into the crockpot so it can soak up even more of that delicious broth.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with a bit of cold water until smooth to make a slurry. Pour this mixture into the crockpot along with your chosen dairy—half and half or heavy cream. Stir everything well and cook on high for another 15 to 30 minutes. The soup will begin to thicken, achieving that delightful creamy consistency that makes every spoonful so decadent.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Greens
Time to add the gnocchi and your greens of choice, whether baby spinach or curly kale. Stir gently and let everything cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the gnocchi are soft and tender. This final step integrates these fresh, delicate ingredients without overcooking them, keeping that perfect balance of textures.
Step 6: Crisp the Prosciutto
While the soup finishes cooking, crisp up the prosciutto in a hot skillet until it’s nicely browned and crunchy. This irresistible garnish adds a burst of salty crunch to contrast the creamy soup and round out your dish with a gourmet touch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and scatter the crispy prosciutto on top along with a generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese. Each spoonful offers a warm, creamy, and perfectly seasoned bite that will keep you coming back for more. This crockpot chicken gnocchi soup recipe truly shines when served hot and fresh from the slow cooker.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, crispy prosciutto is a must-have garnish, lending a magnificent crunch and a salty punch. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan completes the dish by adding a hint of nutty umami. You can also add a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few fresh parsley leaves for color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic knots to sop up every last bit of the creamy broth. A light mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing companion, balancing the richness of the soup. For heartier meals, roasted vegetables or a simple grain salad complement the flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a cozy, edible vessel that adds flair. Individual ramekins topped with prosciutto crisps and Parmesan make delightful single servings. If you want to add a playful twist, swirl in a bit of pesto or a dash of chili oil right before serving for an extra layer of flavor and color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers perfect for next-day meals. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but be mindful that the gnocchi might become slightly softer after thawing. To freeze, skip adding gnocchi and greens initially and add them fresh when reheating. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for delicious convenience on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add fresh gnocchi and greens during reheating and cook until tender, restoring that fresh texture and vibrant color perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep in mind that thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during the slow cooking process, adding more richness to the soup.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs, or can I use dried?
Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh note that lifts the soup, but dried herbs can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated—about one-third the amount of fresh.
Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it?
Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove. Add fresh gnocchi and greens during reheating if you prefer them fresher.
What can I substitute for half and half or heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use whole milk or a mixture of milk and a little cream. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream can add creaminess, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How spicy is this soup with the chili flakes?
The chili flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can completely omit them if you prefer a milder soup, or increase slightly if you like a bit more spice. It’s very flexible based on your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has everything you could wish for in a cozy, flavorful meal — ease, warmth, and satisfying textures that hug your soul. It’s a perfect dish to make ahead or whip up when you want comfort without fuss. I encourage you to try it out, invite your loved ones over, and enjoy a cozy bowl full of love and scrumptiousness.
Print
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This hearty and comforting Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup combines tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and pillowy potato gnocchi in a creamy, flavorful broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, it offers a rich, warming meal ideal for chilly days. Finished with crispy prosciutto and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan, this soup balances rustic flavors with creamy indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 2 cups carrots, small diced
- 2 cups white onion, small diced
- 2 cups celery, small diced
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 Tbsp Herbes de Provence or poultry seasoning
- 1/8 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp red pepper chili flakes (optional)
- 1 Tbsp chicken bouillon (or 1 cube)
- 6 cloves garlic, pressed
- 4 cups chicken stock or broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste (be generous with salt)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 1/2–3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 5 oz baby spinach or curly kale, torn or chopped
For Garnish
- Fresh Parmesan, for garnish
- 3 oz prosciutto
Instructions
- Prepare crockpot: Add chicken thighs, carrots, onion, celery, parsley, Herbes de Provence, paprika, chili flakes (if using), chicken bouillon, garlic, chicken stock, and generously season with salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and set to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Shred chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot carefully and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and mix gently.
- Thicken soup: Whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture along with the half and half or heavy cream into the crockpot. Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the soup thickens slightly.
- Add gnocchi and greens: Add the potato gnocchi and baby spinach or kale to the soup in the crockpot. Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the greens are wilted.
- Prepare prosciutto: While the gnocchi cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the prosciutto until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with crispy prosciutto pieces and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, use chicken breasts instead of thighs and substitute half and half for heavy cream.
- Red pepper chili flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat; adjust according to preference.
- If using kale instead of spinach, remove any tough stems before chopping to improve texture.
- Be generous with salt since slow cooked dishes can sometimes need extra seasoning after cooking.
- Crispy prosciutto adds a wonderful crunchy texture contrast; you can omit or substitute with bacon if preferred.
