If you’re on the hunt for ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you absolutely cannot miss out on this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s the perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh veggies, and a creamy broth that’s rich but never heavy. Slow-cooking everything together lets those herbs and spices infuse deeply, resulting in a soup that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to options for easy weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, down-to-earth ingredients work harmoniously to create a soup that’s packed with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a significant role, whether it’s the tender chicken, vibrant veggies, or creamy broth base, so gathering everything beforehand makes cooking a breeze and ensures a delicious result.

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts: The heart of the soup, providing tender protein that shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
2 cups mirepoix (onions, celery, carrots): Classic aromatic veggies that build depth and add a natural sweetness and crunch to each bite.
1-2 teaspoons dried basil: Bright herbal notes that uplift the overall flavor without overpowering.
1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A medley of herbs to enhance that comforting, rustic vibe.
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Adds a warm, savory layer that complements the chicken perfectly.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in the soup.
4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful foundation that carries every ingredient in perfect harmony.
3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water: Helps thicken the soup to a luscious consistency.
Two 12-ounce cans evaporated milk: Creaminess without heaviness, giving the broth a silky smooth texture.
Two 1 lb. packages gnocchi (about 4 cups): Soft, chewy dumplings that add comfort and body to the soup.
6 slices bacon: Crispy, smoky bits that bring a delightful crunch and savory punch.
2-3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic burst that adds warmth and complexity.
2 cups fresh baby spinach: A burst of color and fresh earthiness, added last to keep it vibrant.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Slow Cook the Chicken and Veggies

Start by layering the boneless chicken breasts, mirepoix, and seasonings right into your crockpot. The dried basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, and salt will meld with the chicken broth as everything cooks low and slow. Cover and let it work its magic for 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. When done, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot so it’s ready to soak up all those cozy flavors.

Step 2: Thickening the Soup and Adding Gnocchi

Next, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture, evaporated milk, and the gnocchi. The evaporated milk creates that creamy texture without making the soup too heavy, and the cornstarch helps thicken the broth just right. Cover and cook for another 45 minutes to an hour until the soup thickens beautifully and the gnocchi turn tender and pillowy.

Step 3: Prepare Bacon, Spinach, and Garlic Topping

While the soup thickens, crisp up your bacon pieces in a pan. Drain them on paper towels so they stay crunchy. Leave just a little bacon grease in the pan and sauté the garlic for a minute before adding the spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and its vibrant green color shines through. This simple side mix brings extra layers of flavor and texture when stirred into the soup.

Step 4: Final Touches and Adjustments

Add the sautéed bacon and spinach to your crockpot and stir everything together. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of water or extra broth to loosen it up. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This step ensures the soup hits the perfect balance of seasoning and consistency before serving.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Finishing touches can elevate your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup from comforting to show-stopping. Consider sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. A few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil can add a beautiful herbal aroma and shine just before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup doesn’t need much on the side to feel complete, but a warm crusty baguette or a simple green salad can perfectly complement its creamy, hearty nature. Garlic bread is another great choice to sop up all those delicious soupy bits you won’t want to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls that soak up the broth, or layer servings in clear glass bowls to show off the gorgeous colors of the spinach, gnocchi, and bacon. Adding a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top can also impress guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers to keep the flavors fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat gently on the stove to preserve the creamy texture and tender gnocchi.

Freezing

Because of the gnocchi and creaminess, freezing is best if done carefully. Freeze the soup without the gnocchi for best results; you can add fresh gnocchi when reheating. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months to enjoy the best quality and taste.

Reheating

Reheat your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. This gentle warming prevents curdling of the milk and stops the gnocchi from breaking down too much. If needed, whisk in a little extra broth or milk to refresh the creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts in the crockpot?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add it after cooking the broth and veggies, then proceed with adding the thickening agents and gnocchi. It saves time while still delivering plenty of flavor.

Is it necessary to use evaporated milk in the recipe?

Evaporated milk gives a velvety creaminess without heaviness, which is key to this soup’s texture. However, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind it may alter the thickness and richness slightly.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can, by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and omitting the bacon and chicken. Consider adding mushrooms or extra beans for protein to keep it hearty in a vegetarian version.

What kind of gnocchi works best?

Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi cook up tender and pillowy in this soup. You can also use frozen gnocchi just ensure you allow extra cooking time until they float and soften completely.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

Keep an eye on the soup while thickening and add extra broth or water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Stirring occasionally helps distribute heat and prevents the gnocchi from clumping.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a true celebration of cozy, satisfying eating that feels like a special treat but comes together with ease. It’s perfect for busy days, casual dinners, or feeding a crowd while still impressing with flavor and warmth. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite comfort recipes to turn to again and again.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty and comforting slow cooker soup packed with tender shredded chicken, flavorful mirepoix, creamy evaporated milk, soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines classic Italian herbs and easy-to-prepare ingredients for a rich and delicious dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Soup Base: Place the chicken breasts, mirepoix mixture, dried basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and chicken broth into a crockpot or slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Once done, shred the chicken directly inside the crockpot using two forks.
Add Thickener, Milk, and Gnocchi: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the crockpot along with the evaporated milk and gnocchi. Stir well to combine. Replace the lid and continue cooking for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until the soup thickens and the gnocchi becomes soft and tender.
Cook Bacon, Garlic, and Spinach: Meanwhile, cut the bacon into small pieces and fry them in a pan until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Leave a small amount of bacon grease in the pan and sauté the minced garlic for about one minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Remove from heat.
Combine and Season: Add the cooked bacon and the sautéed garlic-spinach mixture into the crockpot and stir to incorporate evenly. If the soup becomes too thick, add additional liquid such as water (about 1 cup) to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green flavor.
To make this recipe dairy-free, replace evaporated milk with coconut milk, but expect a slightly different flavor.
If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the cornstarch slurry quantities slightly.
Gnocchi can be substituted with small pasta like mini shells or orecchiette if desired.
For lower sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-American