There’s something magical about a slow-simmered soup that fills your kitchen with savory aromas and promises spoonfuls of comfort. Creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup brings just that—without much effort. Tender chicken, fluffy potato gnocchi, fresh veggies, and a creamy, herb-infused broth make this a weeknight hero. Whether you’re curled up on a cold day or just need something hearty yet easy, this recipe delivers. With a few simple steps and your crockpot doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have a cozy, satisfying meal waiting for you—plus bacon on top if you’re feeling indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
If you love low-effort meals that taste like they took all day (because they kind of did), this creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup is for you. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:
- Effortless and Slow-Cooked: Just prep a few veggies and dump everything into the slow cooker—minimal work, max reward.
- Rich, Creamy, and Filling: The creamy broth paired with soft gnocchi and tender chicken is pure comfort in a bowl.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adjust the seasoning, creaminess, or spice level to match your cravings.
- Leftover Friendly: The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better the next day.
The Story Behind Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Let’s take a look at how this cozy favorite came to be:
- Olive Garden Made It Famous: This soup rose to popularity thanks to the restaurant’s cult following—and it’s even better homemade.
- Rooted in Italian Flavors: Gnocchi, Italian seasoning, and fresh herbs give this soup its Mediterranean flair.
- American Slow Cooker Classic: The crockpot turns a typically stovetop recipe into an easy weeknight wonder.
- A Blend of Traditions: This soup brings together Italian dumplings, American-style chicken soup, and Southern love (hi, bacon!).
Key Ingredients in Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Cook down until juicy and shred easily to soak up all the flavor.
- Carrots, Celery & Onion – These classic aromatics create the flavorful base of your broth.
- Garlic & Italian Seasoning – Add depth and a fragrant punch to the soup.
- Potato Gnocchi – Soft, chewy dumplings that turn this into a full meal.
- Baby Spinach – Tossed in at the end for a pop of color and nutrients.
- Heavy Cream or Half and Half – Makes the broth rich, smooth, and spoon-licking good.
- Better than Bouillon Chicken Base – Optional, but it elevates the chicken flavor to the next level.
- Cooked Bacon (Optional) – Sprinkle on top for a smoky, savory crunch.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Load the Crockpot: Add chicken, chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your slow cooker.
- Add Broth & Boost Flavor: Stir in chicken stock and the Better than Bouillon paste (if using). This adds a deep, savory richness.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully shred the chicken using two forks—either in the pot or on a cutting board—then return it to the crockpot.
- Cream & Gnocchi Time: Whisk together cream and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir this into the pot along with the gnocchi and spinach. Switch the slow cooker to HIGH and cook another 30–45 minutes.
- Adjust Thickness (Optional): If needed, whisk another tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir into the soup to thicken. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and add extra salt or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Toss in more herbs or red pepper for a kick.
- Serve and Top: Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled cooked bacon if desired.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Tips and Twists
- Tips:
- Use thighs for extra juicy, flavorful chicken.
- For a lighter version, go with half and half instead of heavy cream.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they’re best with a slight bite.
- Add the spinach last to keep it green and fresh.
- Don’t skip the final taste test—adjust salt to bring everything together.
- Variations:
- Spicy Version: Use extra red pepper flakes or stir in a spoon of hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or almond milk (soup will be thinner).
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped zucchini or mushrooms for more texture.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store in the fridge up to 4 days in a sealed container.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Stir frequently and avoid boiling to preserve the creaminess.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the veggies and chicken in advance and refrigerate in a container. Dump everything into the crockpot in the morning and let it slow cook all day.
What to Serve with Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Complete your cozy meal with these flavorful pairings:
- Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese – Try this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese for the ultimate dunkable side.
- Crispy Roasted Broccoli – Serve alongside Crispy Roasted Cauliflower or broccoli for a nutritious crunch.
- Simple Green Salad – A light balsamic-dressed salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Fluffy Croissant Breakfast Pie – It’s not just for breakfast—this flaky pie makes a great brunchy soup partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s not ideal. The cream and gnocchi can change texture when frozen. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What if I don’t have Better than Bouillon?
Just use regular broth and add extra salt to taste. You can adjust once the soup is cooked.
Is gnocchi gluten-free?
Not always—check the packaging if you’re cooking for someone with gluten intolerance.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Can I use precooked chicken?
Absolutely. Stir it in after the broth has cooked for a few hours and warm through before adding cream and gnocchi.
Enjoy Your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
There’s no better way to end the day than with a bowl of creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup. It’s soul-soothing, creamy without being heavy, and packed with everything you love in a cozy meal—chicken, veggies, herbs, and soft gnocchi. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this soup belongs in your regular rotation. So grab your slow cooker, toss in the ingredients, and let the magic happen. Your spoon (and stomach) will thank you.
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this comforting classic? Here are more cozy, crowd-pleasing ideas from our kitchen:
- Want more gnocchi magic? Try our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi for a bold Italian flavor.
- Craving a quick bite? Our Quick Crispy Chicken Wraps are perfect for lunches or light dinners.
- For dessert, pair with Blueberry Bread Pudding for a warm, fruity finish.
- Keep the comfort food going with this Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 –4 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 –2 celery stalks chopped
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 4 –5 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Better than Bouillon chicken base optional
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1 –2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Place chicken, carrots, celery, onion, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into your slow cooker.
- Stir in chicken broth and Better than Bouillon, if using. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken in the pot using two forks or remove it to shred and return.
- Whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch into the cream, then pour into the pot.
- Add gnocchi and spinach, stir, and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes.
- To thicken further, whisk more cornstarch with water and stir in.
- Taste and adjust salt or add bacon on top before serving.
Notes
Calories: 390
Protein: 27g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 740mg