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If you’re craving a soul-soothing meal that effortlessly blends creamy comfort with hearty goodness, I have just the thing for you. This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves cozy dinners without the fuss. Imagine tender chicken slow-cooked with a medley of fresh veggies, silky potato gnocchi swimming in a luscious broth, and a sprinkle of crispy prosciutto and Parmesan to finish it off — each spoonful is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet endlessly satisfying.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a key role, whether adding rich flavor, vibrant color, or delightful texture, making this soup both wholesome and deeply comforting.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 1/2 lbs): Tender, juicy chicken that stays moist during the long slow-cook process.
Carrots (2 cups, small diced): Sweetness and a vibrant orange hue that brighten the soup.
White onion (2 cups, small diced): Adds savory depth and a subtle sweetness when slow-cooked.
Celery (2 cups, small diced): Gives a fresh, slightly crisp note balancing the richness.
Fresh parsley (2 Tbsp, chopped): Adds a pop of herbaceous brightness to finish the soup.
Herbes de Provence or poultry seasoning (1 Tbsp): Brings a beautifully fragrant and earthy complexity.
Paprika (1/8 tsp): Gives a hint of smokiness and a lovely warm tone.
Red pepper chili flakes (1/8 tsp, optional): For a mild kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Chicken bouillon (1 Tbsp or 1 cube): Boosts the savory flavor, making the broth extra satisfying.
Garlic (6 cloves, pressed): Aromatic and essential for that irresistible savory punch.
Chicken stock or broth (4 cups): The flavorful base that blends everything together.
Salt and pepper: Generously seasoned for bold taste that brings out all the flavors.
Potato gnocchi (1 lb): Pillowy soft dumplings that soak up every bit of the creamy broth.
Cornstarch (2 1/2–3 Tbsp): Used to thicken the soup to a luscious consistency.
Half and half or heavy cream (1 cup): Adds rich creaminess that makes this soup truly comforting.
Baby spinach or curly kale (5 oz, torn or chopped): Provides color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness.
Fresh Parmesan: For sprinkling on top, a sharp, nutty finish.
Prosciutto (3 oz): Crisped up to add a salty, crunchy contrast.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Begin by adding the chicken thighs, diced carrots, onions, celery, parsley, Herbes de Provence, paprika, and chili flakes (if you want some heat) into your crockpot. Sprinkle in the chicken bouillon and pour the chicken stock over everything. Finish with pressing in the garlic cloves, then season generously with salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir so those layers of flavor start mingling beautifully.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking melts the chicken and veggies into tender, flavorful bliss, building a rich foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once everything is tender, remove the chicken pieces from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized strands. Returning the shredded chicken to the pot helps it soak up all that savory broth, making every bite juicy and satisfying.

Step 4: Thicken Up the Soup

Next, whisk together the cornstarch with a little cold water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crockpot along with the half and half or heavy cream. Set the crockpot to high and cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll notice the soup gently thickening into a velvety, indulgent texture that’s so delightful.

Step 5: Add Gnocchi and Greens

Now it’s time to stir in the potato gnocchi and the baby spinach or kale. Let these cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and the greens have just wilted, adding a beautiful body and fresh color to your soup.

Step 6: Crisp the Prosciutto

While the gnocchi cooks, crisp up the prosciutto in a skillet until it’s perfectly crunchy. This salty topping adds a satisfying crunch and flavor contrast when sprinkled on your soup just before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe into warm bowls, garnish generously with crispy prosciutto and fresh Parmesan. Every spoonful is a celebration of textures and rich, comforting flavors that will have you coming back for more.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for that nutty, creamy finish. Crispy prosciutto adds a savory crunch, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens each bowl with a fresh pop of color and flavor. Don’t be shy with these—they truly elevate the soup experience.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread makes the meal even better. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing balance to the creamy texture of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls with a side of extra Parmesan and prosciutto on a small plate for guests to customize their bowls. For a more casual gathering, ladle it into bread bowls—this adds an extra element of fun and a delicious edible bowl that soaks up every last drop of the soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious—if not more so—than the first serving.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is a little tricky because the gnocchi can become mushy. If you want to freeze it, do so before adding the gnocchi and greens. Store the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then add fresh gnocchi and greens when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it. Add fresh gnocchi and greens at this point if they weren’t included before freezing, then cook until tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, though they tend to be leaner and can dry out a bit faster. Keeping an eye on the cooking time will help keep them tender and juicy.

What kind of gnocchi should I buy?

Potato gnocchi is the classic choice here—look for fresh or refrigerated gnocchi if possible, as it cooks more evenly. Avoid pre-cooked or frozen gnocchi to maintain that perfect pillowy texture when added to the soup.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Definitely! The recipe includes optional red pepper chili flakes, but you can dial up the heat by adding more chili flakes, a dash of cayenne, or even a splash of hot sauce just before serving.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the half and half or heavy cream for a coconut milk alternative or a dairy-free creamer, and skip the Parmesan garnish. The soup will still be creamy and flavorful but with a different twist.

How thick does the soup get with cornstarch?

The cornstarch creates a silky, slightly thickened broth that coats the gnocchi and chicken perfectly without being too heavy or gloopy. It’s just the right consistency for that comforting, creamy mouthfeel.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s a warm, inviting meal that’s perfect for busy days or whenever you need a little extra comfort on your plate. Give it a try—you might just find this is the soup recipe you reach for again and again when you want something cozy, easy, and absolutely delicious.

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