If you’ve been craving a cozy, creamy soup that practically makes itself, you’re in for a treat. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is honestly one of my favorite discoveries for an easy weeknight dinner that still feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and that cheesy Parmesan finish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that only demands a bit of prep before your slow cooker takes over. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in heavy rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Set it, forget it — the slow cooker does all the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
Comfort Food Upgrade: The gnocchi adds this incredible, pillowy texture that takes chicken soup to a whole new level of cozy.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild, creamy, and packed with veggies, it’s one of those soups even picky eaters ask for again.

A white slow cooker bowl lined with a clear plastic liner holds a creamy soup filled with chunks of white beans, orange carrot pieces, green leafy vegetables, and shredded white meat, all in a thick white creamy broth. A metal spoon scoops some soup from the bowl, showing a mix of ingredients clearly with soft textures and mild colors. To the side, slices of golden brown bread rest on a white marbled surface along with a blue and white striped cloth. A box of Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners is partially visible near the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, easy chicken gnocchi soup, creamy slow cooker soup, healthy chicken dinner, comforting winter soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. I love that it uses everyday veggies and pantry staples — no fancy runs to specialty stores required.

Flat lay of tender boneless skinless chicken breasts, bright orange peeled and chopped carrots, crisp chopped celery ribs, finely chopped medium onion, small soft gnocchi pieces, fresh roughly chopped green spinach leaves, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of dried parsley and thyme herbs, all beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, easy chicken gnocchi soup, creamy slow cooker soup, healthy chicken dinner, comforting winter soup

Celery: Adds a subtle aromatic crunch that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Carrot: Sweetens the broth naturally; peel and chop to let it soften well in the slow cooker.
Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the soup, giving depth without overpowering.
Dried Parsley: A classic herb that brightens the flavor beautifully.
Minced Garlic: Essential for that cozy, savory base — fresh is best if you have it!
Dried Thyme: Adds a warm, earthy tone that complements the chicken nicely.
Salt & Pepper: To season and enhance all the other flavors.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean, perfect for shredding right in the slow cooker.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Controls the saltiness and keeps the soup rich and flavorful.
Heavy Cream: For that silky, creamy texture that defines this soup’s comforting vibe.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the broth gently without clumps.
Small Gnocchi: The star starch here — soft, pillowy, and perfectly compatible with slow cooker timing.
Fresh Spinach: Stirred in at the end for freshness and a pop of color.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that you’ll want to sprinkle generously.

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.

Variations

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes or stash ingredients. Feel free to customize to fit your family’s preferences.

Swap Out Chicken for Turkey: I once made this with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving and it was absolutely delicious — adds a lovely twist without extra work.
Use Chicken Thighs: For richer flavor and extra tenderness, thighs work great if you prefer dark meat.
Dairy-Free Version: Try coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free option that’s still creamy and comforting.
Add Mushrooms: Throw in sliced mushrooms along with the veggies for earthier depth — a favorite variation in my house.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Load Up the Slow Cooker with Veggies, Herbs, and Broth

Start by lining your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner if you have one — it seriously cuts down on cleanup, and I don’t know how I lived without it. Then toss in chopped celery, carrot, onion, dried parsley, minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and the chicken broth. Give it a good stir so everything is nicely distributed. Nestle the chicken breasts down into the liquid, pushing them slightly so they soak up that flavorful broth as they cook.

Step 2: Set and Forget – Let the Slow Cooker Do Its Magic

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or if you’re pressed for time, high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the veggies are done when they’re tender and the chicken is cooked through. This slow simmer lets all those flavors meld beautifully—trust me, the wait pays off.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken Right in the Pot

Once cooked, carefully shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker — this way, the chicken stays juicy and mixes in perfectly with the broth. If you prefer, you can take the chicken out to chop on a cutting board, but I find doing it in the pot saves time and prevents extra dishes.

Step 4: Add Cream, Cornstarch, and Gnocchi for the Perfect Finish

Whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this into the slow cooker along with your gnocchi. Cover again and cook on high for about 1 hour until the gnocchi is tender and the broth has thickened slightly into a gorgeous, creamy soup.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Parmesan Before Serving

Right before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese for that bright finish and cheesy, nutty flavor. Give the soup a taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Now you’re ready to ladle out some serious comfort!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Use a Slow Cooker Liner: This tip changed my life — cleanup is so much easier when you don’t have to scrub the pot afterward.
Fresh Gnocchi Timing: Adding the gnocchi during the last hour is key, or else they can get mushy if cooked too long.
Don’t Skip Shredding the Chicken: Tearing the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it tie everything together in each spoonful.
Adjust Thickness Last-Minute: If the soup seems too thick after adding cream, thin it out with a splash more chicken broth.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy soup showing several layers inside: soft white gnocchi pieces, orange carrot slices, green spinach leaves, small white chunks of chicken, and hints of celery pieces all mixed inside a thick, white creamy broth. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with fresh green parsley leaves on the upper left and pieces of crusty bread on the upper right, next to a blue and white striped cloth at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, easy chicken gnocchi soup, creamy slow cooker soup, healthy chicken dinner, comforting winter soup

Garnishes

I love finishing this soup with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves when I have them. A crack of fresh black pepper on top adds a nice little kick. Sometimes I even drizzle a bit of good olive oil for that silky mouthfeel — it really elevates the experience.

Side Dishes

Because this soup is so hearty, I usually serve it with crusty bread on the side — think baguette or sourdough — to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully if you want something fresh alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual get-togethers, I sometimes serve the soup in mini Dutch ovens or rustic mugs for a charming, cozy presentation. Adding a small piece of Parmesan toast or garlic knots on the side also wows guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping a bit of extra broth handy to thin it out when reheating, since gnocchi tends to absorb liquid over time.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a couple of times with good results. Just be sure to freeze before adding the gnocchi and spinach — those fresh ingredients don’t freeze well. When you’re ready to eat, thaw completely, add gnocchi, spinach, and cream, then simmer until everything is heated through and tender.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the gnocchi avoid becoming overly mushy. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll want to add extra cooking time—about 1-2 hours longer on low. Just make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and is fully cooked before moving on to shredding and adding the gnocchi.
What kind of gnocchi works best in this soup?

Small, fresh gnocchi works best because it cooks through gently in the slow cooker without becoming gummy. Avoid large or frozen gnocchi as they might take longer to cook and could become mushy.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to soften the veggies first, then pressure cook the chicken and broth for about 12 minutes. Add the gnocchi, cream, spinach, and Parmesan after releasing pressure and cook on sauté for a few minutes until the gnocchi is tender.
How do I prevent the soup from being too thick or thin?

The cornstarch and cream help thicken the broth beautifully, but if your soup ends up too thick, stir in extra chicken broth. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered on high for a bit or add a little more cornstarch slurry to thicken it to your liking.
Is this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! It’s mild, creamy, and filled with familiar flavors that most kids enjoy. The soft gnocchi adds fun texture, and the spinach is mild enough to sneak in some extra greens.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, it quickly became a staple in my home — the perfect mix of comfort, flavor, and ease that fits right into my busy days. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this soup comes together with minimal effort but maximum deliciousness. Give it a try and I promise, you’ll be hooked on its creamy goodness and hearty warmth just like I am.