Description
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for cozy days, this slow-cooker recipe is simple to prepare and packs a flavorful punch with a blend of herbs and spinach for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, grated (about 2-3 medium)
- 1 cup celery, sliced (about 3 medium stalks)
- 3 cups baby spinach, adjust to taste
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
Herbs & Spices
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Other
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (use 2 tbsp for thicker soup)
- 1 (17.5 oz) package gnocchi
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop ½ medium yellow onion, grate 2-3 medium carrots, and slice 3 celery stalks carefully to have all veggies ready for the crockpot.
- Season and Layer Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, then lay the chicken pieces atop the prepared vegetables in the Crockpot.
- Combine Broth and Spices: In a jug, mix 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth with ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp dried rosemary, and 1 minced garlic clove. Pour this flavorful broth over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Slow Cook Chicken and Veggies: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or LOW for 7-8 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, and return all shredded chicken back into the soup mixture for even distribution.
- Add Creaminess and Gnocchi: Whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch into 1 can of evaporated milk to create a creamy blend, then stir this and the package of gnocchi into the soup. Cover and cook on HIGH for 45 minutes until gnocchi are soft and cooked through.
- Finish with Spinach: Add 3 cups of baby spinach, gently fold it into the soup just until wilted for a fresh, vibrant touch. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, increase cornstarch to 2 tbsp when mixing with evaporated milk.
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if preferred, just increase quantities accordingly.
- If you prefer, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken in the crockpot to reduce time.
- Gnocchi cook quickly; ensure not to overcook to avoid mushy texture.
- Add spinach at the end for vibrant color and to retain nutrients.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (HIGH setting) or 8 hours (LOW setting) plus 45 minutes for gnocchi cooking
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
