Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Highlighted under: Easy Prep Meal Collection
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth.
This soup is a family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings. The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy the delightful aromas filling your home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that warms your soul
- Packed with tender chicken and soft gnocchi
- Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
The Comfort of Home-Cooked Meals
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially on chilly evenings. This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, offering a nourishing blend of flavors and textures. The slow-cooked chicken combined with tender gnocchi creates a wholesome dish that is both satisfying and heartwarming. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Using a crockpot not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. This method ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender, while the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness. Each spoonful of this soup is a reminder of the joy that comes from cooking with love and care.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Busy weeknights can often leave little time for elaborate meal preparations. That's where this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup shines. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing your crockpot to do all the work while you attend to other tasks. This makes it an ideal choice for families who want a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Simply chop your vegetables, add the chicken and broth to the crockpot, and let it simmer. The result is a rich and creamy soup that tastes like you've spent all day making it. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your weekly meal rotation.
A Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion
One of the best aspects of this soup is its versatility. While the recipe calls for specific ingredients, feel free to customize it to your liking. You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even swap out the spinach for kale. Additionally, if you're looking for a lighter option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the richness while still retaining a creamy texture.
This soup is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even as a meal prep option for the week. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated for a quick lunch or dinner. Plus, it's a hit with both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In the crockpot, add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Add Cream and Gnocchi
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crockpot. Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.
Finish with Spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts. Serve hot.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting soup with a slice of crusty bread!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the deliciously creamy broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the soup, adding a refreshing contrast to the meal.
For those who love a bit of spice, top your soup with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. This adds an extra layer of flavor that can take your soup to the next level. Don't forget to garnish each bowl with additional Parmesan cheese for that extra indulgence!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, you'll be happy to know that this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its flavors. When reheating, it's best to do so on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir gently to ensure even heating and add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. However, it's worth noting that the gnocchi may become a bit softer after freezing and reheating. If you're concerned about this, consider cooking fresh gnocchi separately and adding it to the reheated soup just before serving.
Nutritional Information
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients. It features lean chicken breast as a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. The addition of vegetables like carrots and spinach contributes vitamins and minerals, making this soup a nourishing choice.
While the heavy cream adds richness, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of the soup while tailoring it to your nutritional needs.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time slightly.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or milk, though it may not be as rich.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free gnocchi.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Easy Prep Meal Collection
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Soup Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How-To Steps
In the crockpot, add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crockpot. Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.
Stir in the chopped spinach and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts. Serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g