Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-1.5 lb.); 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 1/2 cup carrots, shredded; 3 oz. fresh baby spinach, tightly packed (about 3 cups); 5 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 (16 oz.) package potato gnocchi

There’s something so cozy and comforting about a bowl of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, packed with tender chicken, and those pillowy gnocchi? Absolute perfection. Trust me, this soup will become your go-to when you want warm, satisfying flavors with minimal fuss.

A white speckled bowl filled with a creamy off-white soup that has a thick texture. Inside the soup, there are several yellow gnocchi pieces, bright green spinach leaves, small orange carrot strips, and white pieces of chicken evenly spread throughout. The soup is topped with a light sprinkle of black pepper and red flakes. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver spoon resting on the edge of the bowl and a smaller white bowl filled with multicolored peppercorns slightly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe delivers big-time comfort with so little effort. It’s like having a warm hug in a bowl after a long day, and you barely have to babysit the slow cooker while it works its magic.

Hands-off cooking: You just toss everything in the slow cooker and come back to a ready-made, delicious meal.
Pillowy gnocchi: These little dumplings soak up the flavors beautifully, adding the perfect texture.
Rich and creamy broth: The blend of herbs, chicken, and cream makes for a soul-satisfying soup every time.
Healthy and hearty: Packed with protein and veggies—it’s comfort food that won’t leave you feeling guilty.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup showing several layers: a thick white broth with a smooth texture forms the base layer, with visible pieces of small yellow potato gnocchi scattered throughout. There are green spinach leaves placed evenly inside the soup, adding patches of dark green color. Thin orange carrot strips and small pieces of white meat are mixed in the soup, creating a colorful mix on the creamy surface. The bowl has a speckled brown rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. Nearby is a piece of white bread with a rough texture, and two clean silver spoons rest beside the bowl. Above the bowl, a white bowl contains a variety of black, pink, and white whole peppercorns. A white plate with two pieces of sesame seed-covered bread is on the upper left, accompanied by a folded blue striped napkin on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about balance: tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy broth come together with flavorful herbs and nutmeg for a subtle warmth. Picking fresh garlic and good-quality chicken broth really makes the difference here.

Flat lay of a raw boneless skinless chicken breast, half a yellow onion diced, four whole garlic cloves unpeeled, one celery stalk diced, a small pile of shredded carrots, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of dried Italian seasoning and basil mixed, a single bay leaf, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small mound of fresh potato gnocchi, and a tight bundle of fresh baby spinach leaves, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, a perfect protein base that shreds easily after slow cooking.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness that mellows and deepens as it cooks low and slow.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings aromatic warmth that wakes up the soup.
Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh herbaceous flavor to round out the veggies.
Carrots: Shredded carrots soften in the slow cooker, adding natural sweetness and color.
Chicken broth: The soul of the soup—choose a low-sodium, high-quality broth for best flavor control.
Dried basil & Italian seasoning: Classic herbs that bring that Italian-inspired cozy vibe.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch to enhance the creaminess and add subtle warmth without overpowering.
Bay leaf: Infuses a gentle earthiness throughout the long cooking process.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and makes the soup luxuriously smooth.
Potato gnocchi: These soft dumplings soak up the broth and become irresistibly tender.
Fresh baby spinach: Tossed in at the end, it adds bright color and a dose of greens without overpowering.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love this soup just as it is, but it’s also super flexible. I’ve switched up veggies, swapped gnocchi for pasta, and even lightened it with half-and-half. Feel free to tailor it to your tastes or what you have on hand!

Variation: Once, I tried adding mushrooms, and it gave it a lovely earthiness that paired well with the herbs—definitely a win if you like mushrooms.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream; it changes the flavor but still keeps it creamy.
Gluten-Free: Swap gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi or small gluten-free pasta shapes for a safe twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process if you want a gentle heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Flavors

Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Then, top with diced onion, minced garlic, celery, and shredded carrots. These veggies become tender and infuse the broth with natural sweetness and depth as they cook alongside the chicken.

Step 2: Season and Pour

Sprinkle the dried basil, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper evenly over the top. Don’t forget the bay leaf—it adds that subtle earthy note we love. Finally, pour in the chicken broth slowly, making sure everything is submerged for even cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or low for 6 to 8. I usually opt for low when I prep it in the morning before work—so satisfying to come home to! The chicken will be tender and ready to shred after this slow, low heat process.

Step 4: Shred and Return the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts onto a cutting board, discard the bay leaf, and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Returning the chicken to the slow cooker ensures every spoonful is packed with protein.

Step 5: Creaminess and Gnocchi Time

Pour in the heavy cream and add the gnocchi. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for another 30 to 45 minutes. The gnocchi will puff up and soften beautifully, and the broth thickens slightly into that luxurious creamy texture you’re craving.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Spinach

Toss in the baby spinach, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes in the residual heat. This keeps the spinach vibrant and tender without wilting it into mush. Adjust salt and pepper if needed, and you’re all set to serve!

Top Tip

Through my many attempts making this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee success every time. These small details will save you time and keep the soup flavorful and fresh.

Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Add it towards the end and keep a close eye—gnocchi cooks fast and gets mushy if left too long.
Use low-sodium broth: It gives you control over seasoning instead of a salty soup.
Shred chicken with two forks: It’s easier and results in perfect bite-sized pieces without a mess.
Skip stirring too much: Stir gently after adding cream and gnocchi to prevent breaking them up.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

chicken gnocchi soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add chopped fresh parsley for a hit of color and freshness—it really brightens the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or garlic breadsticks are my go-to sides to soak up every last bit of this delicious soup. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the creaminess perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this soup into rustic bread bowls—everyone loves tearing into the bread with their soup. Serving it with a side of roasted veggies or even a sweet apple-fennel slaw adds layers of texture and taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop to keep the cream from separating, stirring occasionally for even heating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but since the gnocchi can get a bit soft after thawing, I prefer to freeze the soup without the gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating. It keeps the texture nice and fresh!

Reheating

Slowly reheat leftovers on low-medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it looks too thick. Fresh gnocchi cooks in about 2-3 minutes, so add it near the end for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes! Frozen chicken breasts can be used, but you will need to increase the cooking time slightly on low—aim for 8 to 9 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?

Absolutely, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup, though it won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Adding a bit of flour can help thicken it up if needed.

What type of gnocchi works best in this soup?

I recommend using fresh potato gnocchi because they cook quickly and absorb the flavors well. Frozen gnocchi works too, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time until tender.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to cook the veggies first, then pressure cook the chicken and broth for about 12 minutes. Finish by stirring in the cream, gnocchi, and spinach using the sauté function again until heated through.

Final Thoughts

I’m always amazed at how this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe takes just minutes to prep but delivers hours of comfort and flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a special treat but fits perfectly into a busy weekday routine. I hope you love making and sharing it as much as I do—once you try it, it’s bound to be a staple in your kitchen too. Cozy up, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite.