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- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup carrots, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 1 cup potatoes, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 lb (450g) refrigerated gnocchi - Salt to taste To make this creamy chicken gnocchi soup, you need fresh and quality ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They provide a lean protein base for the soup. Chicken broth adds depth and flavor. Choose low-sodium broth to control the salt level. Next, gather your veggies. Carrots, celery, and potatoes bring texture and sweetness. Diced potatoes give a hearty feel. Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor. For herbs, dried thyme and oregano pair well with the chicken. Black pepper adds a mild heat. Heavy cream makes the soup rich and creamy. Finally, use refrigerated gnocchi for a tender and fluffy texture. This combination creates a delicious meal everyone will love. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Additional seasoning suggestions Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Sprinkle it on just before serving. You can also try adding more black pepper or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick. Other seasonings, like a squeeze of lemon juice, can brighten the soup. Play with these garnishes to suit your taste. - Chopping Vegetables Start by washing your carrots, celery, and potatoes. Dice the carrots into small pieces. Cut the celery into equal-sized bits. Chop the potatoes into cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Mince the garlic cloves as well. Remember, fresh garlic adds a nice flavor. - Shredding Chicken Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into small pieces. This makes it easier to mix into the soup later. Set the shredded chicken aside for now. - Combining Ingredients In your slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced carrots, celery, potatoes, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir everything gently to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed. - Cooking Times and Settings Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the vegetables should be tender when done. - Adding Cream and Gnocchi After cooking, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream and the gnocchi. Cover again and cook on high for an extra 30 minutes. The gnocchi will float when they are ready. - Incorporating Spinach Just before serving, add the fresh spinach to the soup. Stir it in and let it wilt for about 5 minutes. This adds color and nutrients to your soup. Taste and add salt if needed before serving. - Adjusting Heavy Cream Amount To get the right creaminess, you can change the heavy cream amount. If you want it richer, add more. Start with 1 cup. For lighter soup, use 3/4 cup. Taste before serving to find your perfect balance. - Alternative Cream Options If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. It adds a nice flavor while keeping the soup creamy. - Cooking Tips for Gnocchi For the best gnocchi, add them toward the end of cooking. This keeps them soft and tender. Cook them for about 30 minutes in the soup. Check if they float; that means they are ready! - Tips for Serving Serve the soup hot. Place a scoop of gnocchi in each bowl and ladle the soup over it. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. This makes your dish look and taste great. - Overcooking Chicken Be careful not to overcook the chicken. It can become dry and tough. Cook just until it shreds easily. This keeps your soup moist and flavorful. - Soggy Vegetables Avoid mushy veggies by not cooking them too long. Add them at the start of cooking, but check if they are tender before serving. They should be soft yet hold their shape. This adds texture to your soup. {{image_2}} You can switch proteins in this soup. Turkey works well as a substitute. Just use the same weight as chicken. It will taste great too. You can also try using diced tofu for a plant-based option. For vegetables, feel free to mix it up. Zucchini, bell peppers, or peas add nice flavors. Just chop them into small pieces for even cooking. Adding cheese can boost the flavor. Try grated Parmesan or creamy Gouda. Mix it in just before serving for a rich taste. Herbs change the soup's taste too. Fresh basil or rosemary can add a new layer of flavor. You might even try a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick. Want a gluten-free soup? Choose gluten-free gnocchi. Many stores sell it now. Just check the package to be sure. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It adds a nice hint of sweetness. You can also replace cream with a plant-based alternative. For storing leftovers, use an airtight container. Glass containers work great. You can also use plastic containers if you prefer. Make sure to cool the soup first before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a good option. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. It’s best to use it within three months for optimal taste. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir it well and add a splash of water or broth if needed. This creamy chicken gnocchi soup pairs well with crusty bread. A fresh salad on the side adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. If you want a little kick, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Enjoy your soup with a side of good company! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cook time. The slow cooker cooks it evenly, making it safe and tasty. This method keeps the chicken moist and tender. If you forget to thaw, no worries! Frozen chicken works great here. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These choices still add creaminess but change the flavor slightly. Adjust the amount to keep the soup rich and flavorful. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you don't have one, look for no pink inside. The chicken should shred easily with a fork. This tells you it's done and safe to eat. Yes, you can cook it on the stove. Start by sautéing the veggies and garlic in a pot. Then add the chicken and broth. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is done. Shred it, add the cream and gnocchi, and cook until the gnocchi are tender. This method speeds up the cooking time. This blog post lays out a simple yet tasty slow cooker recipe. We covered the main ingredients like chicken, veggies, and herbs for flavor. I shared tips for cooking, ensuring creamy texture, and avoiding common mistakes. You can also swap ingredients to suit your taste. As you try this recipe, remember that cooking should be fun and creative. Enjoy making it yours with different flavors and add-ons. Your effort will surely pay off in a delicious meal. Keep exploring and happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Slow Cooker

Warm up with this delightful creamy chicken gnocchi soup that's perfect for cozy evenings! With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and soft gnocchi, this comforting dish is made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Just mix your ingredients, let it simmer, and enjoy a rich, flavorful bowl ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and create a delicious meal that your family will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup potatoes, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups fresh spinach

1 lb (450g) refrigerated gnocchi

Salt to taste

Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

In the slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced carrots, diced celery, diced potatoes, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir gently to mix all ingredients.

    Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

      Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the soup.

        Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and floating to the top.

          Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 5 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

            Serve hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6