If you’re looking for a hearty, cozy meal that practically makes itself, then this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how this soup comes together with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy, flavorful broth that warms you up from the inside out. Whether you’re coming home from a chilly day or just craving something comforting, this recipe is simple, delicious, and it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Convenience: Pop everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Comfort in Every Spoonful: Creamy broth with tender chicken and soft gnocchi makes for pure comfort food.
Family-Friendly Flavor: My family goes crazy for this soup, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Easy Cleanup: Using slow cooker liners means less mess, giving you more time to relax.

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, chicken gnocchi soup, comforting slow cooker soups, easy chicken soup recipes, creamy chicken gnocchi soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe revolves around simple, fresh ingredients that all marry together beautifully — from crunchy celery and sweet carrots to aromatic garlic and thyme. I always suggest grabbing fresh spinach and quality Parmesan to really make the flavors pop.

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, chicken gnocchi soup, comforting slow cooker soups, easy chicken soup recipes, creamy chicken gnocchi soup

Celery: Adds that subtle crunch and classic soup aroma.
Carrot: Sweetness that balances the savory broth.
Onion: Finely chopped for that lovely base flavor.
Dried Parsley: A gentle herbaceous note.
Minced Garlic: Garlic boosts richness and depth.
Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, a kitchen staple.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: This makes the soup hearty and protein-packed.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the flavor robust and lets you manage the salt level.
Heavy Cream: For that luscious, creamy texture.
Corn Starch: Helps thicken the broth just right.
Small Gnocchi: These tender little dumplings soak up the soup’s goodness perfectly.
Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild, fresh bite.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Gives a savory, slightly nutty finish.

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

I’ve found this soup is a great canvas for your own twists — whether you want to lighten it up or kick up the flavors. Feel free to experiment with what you love!

Swap Gnocchi for Potatoes: I sometimes use diced potatoes instead of gnocchi for a slightly different texture that still feels comforting.
Add Mushrooms: I add sliced mushrooms on occasion because they soak in the broth so nicely and add an earthy layer.
Make it Dairy-Free: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan for a creamy dairy-free version that’s still rich.
Boost the Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor — I love sneaking in fresh herbs when they’re in season.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Load the Slow Cooker with Veggies and Chicken

Start by lining your slow cooker with a Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liner — this is a game-changer for cleanup, trust me. Next, add the chopped celery, carrots, onion, dried parsley, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir everything so the ingredients are evenly distributed. Nestle the chicken breasts right into the liquid to ensure they cook evenly and soak up all the flavors.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle heat is what turns the chicken tender and allows the veggies to soften into the broth. You’ll know it’s ready when the veggies are perfectly cooked and the chicken is easy to shred.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Creamy Goodness

Carefully shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks — or take it out if that feels easier — then whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch. Stir this creamy mixture into the soup along with the gnocchi. Cover and let it cook on high for another hour. This step is crucial: the gnocchi cooks in the broth and the cornstarch thickens the soup to just the right silky consistency.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Once the gnocchi is tender and the broth thickened, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach wilts quickly and adds a fresh pop of color and flavor, while the Parmesan brings that perfect savory finish. Taste and adjust the seasonings with extra salt or pepper, if needed.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Use Slow Cooker Liners: I discovered this trick when I wanted to avoid scrubbing the slow cooker, and it honestly made cleanup so easy.
Don’t Skip the Gnocchi Final Step: Add gnocchi toward the end because they cook quickly and get mushy if left too long.
Shred Chicken Right There: Shredding the chicken in the pot means you keep all those juices locked in the soup.
Adjust Thickness Last: If your soup seems too thick after the last step, stir in a little extra broth or water to balance it.

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, chicken gnocchi soup, comforting slow cooker soups, easy chicken soup recipes, creamy chicken gnocchi soup

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit more freshly grated Parmesan on top and a few twists of black pepper right before serving. Sometimes, a small drizzle of good olive oil adds a lovely richness. I also toss on a few torn basil or parsley leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette are my go-to sides for this soup — they soak up the broth perfectly. I’ve also served it with a crisp green salad on the side for a lighter contrast that balances the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I serve the soup in pretty soup bowls with a sprinkle of herbs and a small parmesan crisp on the side — it’s a small touch that makes it feel special. You can also ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Since the gnocchi can absorb a lot of liquid, I usually add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is totally doable, but I recommend freezing before adding the cream and gnocchi. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup, add the cream and gnocchi fresh, and cook until tender on the stove or slow cooker to keep the texture fresh.

Reheating

I reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. Adding a little extra broth or cream as it heats keeps the soup creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay tender, especially if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed — they tend to cook faster and stay juicy in the slow cooker.
When should I add the gnocchi to the slow cooker?

The best time to add gnocchi is after shredding the chicken and mixing in the cream and cornstarch. Add them for the last hour of cooking on high to ensure they stay perfectly tender without getting mushy.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe vegan or vegetarian?

While this particular recipe is chicken-based, you can easily adapt it by using vegetable broth, skipping the chicken, and using a plant-based cream or coconut milk. Swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative to keep that cheesy flavor.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup ends up thinner than you’d like, stir in a little more cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and cook it for a few extra minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly one I keep coming back to because it’s straightforward, satisfying, and just so comforting. I love how it fills my kitchen with amazing aromas all day, and how the slow cooker does most of the work for me. I highly recommend giving it a try — it might just become your go-to comfort meal, just like it is for me and my family. And don’t forget, the easy cleanup with liners means cooking this even on a busy weeknight is stress-free. Enjoy every creamy, cozy spoonful!