Chicken gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food, and making it in a slow cooker takes the fuss out of a delicious, satisfying meal. This recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful broth brimming with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and your favorite vegetables. Perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this crock-pot version allows you to simply dump and go, leaving you with more time to relax.
What Makes This Crock-Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't just your average chicken gnocchi soup. We've focused on building layers of flavor through careful ingredient selection and cooking techniques. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, and the broth to develop a deep, rich taste. We also avoid overcooking the gnocchi, ensuring they remain perfectly al dente. The recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables and spices for a truly personalized experience.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in olive oil over medium-high heat until lightly browned on both sides. This step adds depth to the soup.
- Layer Ingredients in Crock-Pot: Add the seared (or unseared) chicken to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Then, stir in the minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Stir in Cream and Gnocchi: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Add the gnocchi. Important: Do not overcook the gnocchi! Stir gently and cook for only about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are cooked through but still have a slight firmness.
- Return Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back to the soup.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Add the frozen gnocchi during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time, or until they are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
What if I don't have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half, but the soup will be less creamy. You could also use a little bit of cream cheese for added creaminess.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables and chicken (optional), then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then, manually release any remaining pressure. Stir in the gnocchi and cook for a few minutes until they are tender.
How long can I store leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup:
- For a richer broth, use homemade chicken broth.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi! They cook quickly.
- Season to taste – adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Get creative with your toppings! Try adding croutons, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
This creamy crock-pot chicken gnocchi soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Enjoy!
