If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, veggies, and those pillowy gnocchi dumplings that just make you want to dive right in. When I first made this, I was amazed at how beautifully the flavors melded with almost zero effort on my part. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to soup for chilly days or whenever you need something soothing with big flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Simply set it and forget it; your slow cooker does all the magic while you go about your day.
Comfort in Every Spoonful: Creamy gnocchi paired with tender chicken and fresh spinach means pure warmth with every bite.
Family-Friendly: It’s a recipe that both kids and adults love, making family dinners a breeze.
Easy Cleanup: Using a slow cooker liner transforms the dreaded cleanup into a quick wipe down.

A white slow cooker bowl lined with a clear plastic liner holds a creamy soup filled with chunks of white beans, orange carrot pieces, green leafy vegetables, and shredded white meat, all in a thick white creamy broth. A metal spoon scoops some soup from the bowl, showing a mix of ingredients clearly with soft textures and mild colors. To the side, slices of golden brown bread rest on a white marbled surface along with a blue and white striped cloth. A box of Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners is partially visible near the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, chicken gnocchi soup, creamy chicken gnocchi stew, easy slow cooker soup, hearty chicken and gnocchi soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays its part in building the hearty, creamy texture and rich flavor in this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. When picking fresh veggies, look for firm celery and bright carrots—they’ll add the perfect sweetness and crunch. And don’t skip the Parmesan; it’s that little finishing touch that brings it all together.

Flat lay of tender boneless skinless chicken breasts, bright orange peeled and chopped carrots, crisp chopped celery ribs, finely chopped medium onion, small soft gnocchi pieces, fresh roughly chopped green spinach leaves, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of dried parsley and thyme herbs, all beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, chicken gnocchi soup, creamy chicken gnocchi stew, easy slow cooker soup, hearty chicken and gnocchi soup

Celery: Adds a subtle aromatic crunch and balances the creaminess.
Carrot: Provides a natural sweetness that brightens the soup.
Onion: A foundation flavor that deepens the broth.
Dried parsley: Offers a mild herbaceous note without overpowering.
Minced garlic: For that warm, savory depth.
Dried thyme: Earthy and slightly floral, perfect for slow cooking.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the soup well.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tenderized beautifully in the slow cooker.
Low sodium chicken broth: To control the saltiness and keep it flavorful.
Heavy cream: This adds the rich, creamy texture everyone loves.
Corn starch: Helps thicken the soup to that luscious consistency.
Small gnocchi: These little dumplings soak up the broth, adding heartiness.
Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color and fresh vegetal flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The cheesy finish that makes the soup irresistible.

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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.

Variations

I love how versatile this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe can be. I’ve tweaked it depending on the season or what’s in my fridge, and each time it comes out delicious. You can personalize it easily to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas for a veggie-packed version I tried that my meat-eating friends actually enjoyed.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a little zing and keep things interesting on cold nights.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor—tastes surprisingly creamy and comforting.
Seasonal Twist: Try adding diced butternut squash or sweet potatoes in fall for extra heartiness and sweetness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients

First things first, line your 4-6 quart slow cooker with a slow cooker liner if you want easy cleanup (trust me, it’s a game changer). Then toss in your chopped celery, carrots, finely chopped onion, dried parsley, minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Give it a good stir so everything’s mingling together. Nestle the boneless skinless chicken breasts right into that broth and veggies – make sure they’re submerged for even cooking.

Step 2: Slow Cook Low and Slow (or Speed It Up)

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I typically choose low because the flavors develop more deeply and the chicken becomes incredibly tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the veggies are soft and the chicken easily shreds with a fork.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Creamy Goodness

Once cooking’s done, carefully shred your chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks, or remove it to chop if you prefer bigger chunks. Whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth, then stir this into the soup along with the gnocchi. Put the lid back on and cook on high for about 1 hour, until the gnocchi are tender and the broth thickens slightly. Don’t rush this part—this is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Parmesan

Finally, fold in your chopped fresh spinach and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat wilts the spinach and melts the cheese, giving it that final boost of flavor. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if you need to. And that’s it — your delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Use a Slow Cooker Liner: It saves so much cleanup time, especially with a creamy soup like this that can stick to the pot during thickening.
Don’t Add Gnocchi Too Early: I learned the hard way — they get too mushy if cooked the whole time, so add them during the last hour for perfect texture.
Shred Chicken Carefully: Shredding chicken directly in the slow cooker saves time, but if you prefer bigger chunks, chop after removing it – just watch out for hot broth splashes!
Finishing Touches Matter: Adding spinach and Parmesan at the end gives freshness and umami punch; don’t skip it.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy soup showing several layers inside: soft white gnocchi pieces, orange carrot slices, green spinach leaves, small white chunks of chicken, and hints of celery pieces all mixed inside a thick, white creamy broth. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with fresh green parsley leaves on the upper left and pieces of crusty bread on the upper right, next to a blue and white striped cloth at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, chicken gnocchi soup, creamy chicken gnocchi stew, easy slow cooker soup, hearty chicken and gnocchi soup

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a sprinkling of extra Parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper on top. Sometimes I add a few toasted pine nuts or a dash of chili flakes to elevate the flavor. A little drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley also does wonders.

Side Dishes

My go-to is always some crusty artisan bread or warm garlic focaccia to soak up every last drop of soup. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. On colder days, I like pairing it with roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans for a bit of crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this in mini bread bowls for a fun, rustic presentation that wowed guests. You can also ladle it into pretty white bowls topped with microgreens or a swirl of cream for that upscale look. Individual ramekins with a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top make it special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually wait to add spinach until reheating to keep it vibrant, but it still tastes amazing the next day. Just give it a good stir before serving as it can thicken when chilled.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is doable but a little tricky because gnocchi can get mushy after thawing. If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the soup base without gnocchi and spinach, then adding those fresh when reheating. This way you’ll keep the texture nice and fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the soup. Add spinach towards the end to wilt, and stir in extra Parmesan if you like. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you must, heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but just keep in mind that it will extend the cooking time a bit. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding to ensure it’s fully cooked. I recommend adding an extra hour on low or 30 minutes on high if starting from frozen.
Can I substitute gnocchi with something else?

Absolutely! If you can’t find gnocchi, small pasta like mini shells or orecchiette work well. Just keep a close eye on the cooking time since gnocchi tends to cook faster and becomes soft quicker. You can also try small cooked potatoes if you want to keep it potato-based but without gnocchi.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, which add richness without dairy. Instead of Parmesan, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor. The flavor and texture will be a bit different, but still satisfying and creamy.
Is it okay to add gnocchi at the beginning?

I don’t recommend adding gnocchi at the start because they tend to disintegrate after long cooking. Adding them during the last hour of cooking keeps them tender and intact, giving you that perfect bite every time.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! You can prep your veggies and even shred cooked chicken a day ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge and assemble in the slow cooker when ready. This saves time on busy days and still delivers maximum flavor.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe turns out—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, simple enough for weeknights but special enough for company. If you’re anything like me and want comfort without fuss, this is your new best friend. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll find yourself making it over and over, especially once you nail these pro tips and personalize it your way. Grab your slow cooker, some fresh ingredients, and enjoy the cozy goodness coming your way!