There’s something undeniably cozy about a warm bowl of soup that just melts in your mouth. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and those pillowy gnocchi pillows to create a comforting, fuss-free meal you’ll want on repeat.

A white speckled bowl filled with a creamy off-white soup that has a thick texture. Inside the soup, there are several yellow gnocchi pieces, bright green spinach leaves, small orange carrot strips, and white pieces of chicken evenly spread throughout. The soup is topped with a light sprinkle of black pepper and red flakes. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver spoon resting on the edge of the bowl and a smaller white bowl filled with multicolored peppercorns slightly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I first made this soup, it quickly became a family favorite. It’s not just delicious; it’s so easy to throw together and let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.

Effortless Comfort: You just dump everything in the slow cooker—no standing over the stove or constant stirring.
Perfectly Creamy: The heavy cream and broth base create a velvety texture that feels indulgent but isn’t complicated.
Pillowy Gnocchi: The soft gnocchi soaks up all those savory flavors, making every bite satisfying and hearty.
Customizable & Nourishing: You get protein, veggies, and comforting carbs all in one bowl—great for busy weeknights or meal prep.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup showing several layers: a thick white broth with a smooth texture forms the base layer, with visible pieces of small yellow potato gnocchi scattered throughout. There are green spinach leaves placed evenly inside the soup, adding patches of dark green color. Thin orange carrot strips and small pieces of white meat are mixed in the soup, creating a colorful mix on the creamy surface. The bowl has a speckled brown rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. Nearby is a piece of white bread with a rough texture, and two clean silver spoons rest beside the bowl. Above the bowl, a white bowl contains a variety of black, pink, and white whole peppercorns. A white plate with two pieces of sesame seed-covered bread is on the upper left, accompanied by a folded blue striped napkin on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe plays a key role in building depth and richness while keeping the prep straightforward. Let me share why these flavors just come together so well.

Flat lay of a raw boneless skinless chicken breast, half a yellow onion diced, four whole garlic cloves unpeeled, one celery stalk diced, a small pile of shredded carrots, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of dried Italian seasoning and basil mixed, a single bay leaf, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small mound of fresh potato gnocchi, and a tight bundle of fresh baby spinach leaves, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: They cook up tender and shreddable, soaking in all the broth’s seasoning without drying out.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that mellows beautifully during slow cooking.
Garlic: Always a must for savory depth—fresh minced garlic keeps the flavors bright.
Celery: Offers a hint of earthiness and crunch that balances the creaminess.
Carrots: Shredded for quick softening, they bring sweetness and a pop of color.
Chicken broth: The soul of the soup, rich and flavorful, it melds all elements perfectly.
Dried basil & Italian seasoning: These herbs bring classic Italian warmth and a fragrant finish.
Ground nutmeg: A secret touch that adds subtle warmth and rounds out the creamy base.
Bay leaf: Adds a gentle herbal note during cooking—remember to remove it before serving!
Heavy cream: Makes the broth luscious and smooth, essential for that velvety texture.
Potato gnocchi: The star carb, they cook right in the slow cooker to tender perfection, absorbing flavor.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and bright color, wilting lightly in the residual heat.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how flexible it is. I sometimes tweak it based on what’s in my fridge or to suit dietary needs—you should feel free to do the same!

Variation: I’ve swapped baby kale for spinach when I want a bit more texture, and it works just as well.
Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of white wine before cooking can deepen the flavor if you’re feeling fancy.
Heat It Up: Throw in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.
Dairy-Free: For a lighter or dairy-free version, coconut cream works surprisingly well in place of heavy cream.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Ingredients

Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, pile on the diced onion, minced garlic, celery, and shredded carrots—all these veggies add flavor and nutrients. Sprinkle the dried basil, Italian seasoning, ground nutmeg, bay leaf, plus salt and pepper right over the top. Finally, pour the chicken broth over everything. Layering like this ensures each bite gets a little bit of everything.

Step 2: Let Your Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. I usually go low and slow on weekends when I have more time—it makes the chicken fall-apart tender and lets all those flavors meld beautifully. If you’re pressed for time, the high setting works wonders too.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Enrich the Soup

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaf (trust me, you don’t want it in your finished soup). Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Now pour in the heavy cream and stir in the gnocchi. Switch the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes, until the gnocchi are soft and the soup thickens slightly.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Spinach

Lastly, toss in the baby spinach and cover the slow cooker. Let the residual heat wilt the greens into the soup gently—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Give it a final stir, taste for salt and pepper, and it's ready to serve!

Top Tip

Over years of making this soup, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference in flavor and texture. These tips will help you nail the Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe every time without any stress.

Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Add gnocchi towards the end to avoid them turning mushy and falling apart in the slow cooker.
Shred Chicken While Warm: It’s easier to shred the chicken right after cooking when it’s still warm instead of letting it cool first.
Season Gradually: I season lightly at the start and leave final salt and pepper adjustments for after cooking to avoid over-salting.
Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brightens the soup just before serving, but add them fresh to keep their flavor alive.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

chicken gnocchi soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a little sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper on top just before serving—it adds that salty zing that complements the creamy broth. Sometimes, I toss on some chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This soup is a complete meal, but if you want to stretch it out or round things off, crusty garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad pairs beautifully. I especially enjoy dipping warm bread into the creamy soup—that's pure comfort!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini soup crocks or hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a rustic touch. Adding a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a dollop of pesto on top elevates the presentation and flavor instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and this soup keeps well for about 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating, as the gnocchi may absorb some broth and thicken the soup overnight.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but with a small caveat: gnocchi tends to get a bit softer after freezing and reheating. I usually freeze the soup before adding the gnocchi, then cook the gnocchi fresh when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Slow and steady works best: reheat on medium-low on the stove, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. If you froze it pre-gnocchi, stir freshly cooked gnocchi in just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more richness and stay super tender during slow cooking. Just adjust cooking times slightly if your slow cooker runs hot.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

If the soup thickens too much, especially after adding gnocchi, just stir in some extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Start by cooking the chicken and vegetables in a large pot, then add broth and simmer. Add gnocchi last and finish with cream and spinach similarly. It won’t have the same slow-cooked depth but will still be delicious.

What’s the best type of gnocchi to use?

I recommend using fresh potato gnocchi from the refrigerated section for best texture and flavor. Frozen gnocchi can work but may require a bit longer cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s so unpretentious yet rewarding. I love that you can set it and forget it, but still end up with a rich, satisfying bowl of goodness. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—which means lots of second helpings and happy tummies!