There’s just something about a warm, creamy bowl of chicken soup that feels like a hug on a chilly day. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe nails that cozy comfort with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach all simmered to perfection without any fuss. It's one of those meals that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma and your belly with absolute satisfaction.

A white speckled bowl filled with creamy soup showing three main layers: a thick, pale yellow creamy liquid base with black pepper sprinkled on top, several bright green spinach leaves scattered throughout, and soft potato pieces with a light yellow tone floating inside. Small thin orange carrot strips are mixed among the other ingredients. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. In the background, a white bowl with mixed peppercorns sits on a white marbled surface 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

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a game-changer when you want hearty comfort with minimal effort. I adore how the slow cooker lets the chicken and veggies meld into rich, creamy goodness while the gnocchi adds that irresistible pillowy texture. It’s like magic happening right in your kitchen all day long!

Hands-Off Convenience: You just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—no babysitting the stove means more time to relax.
Pillowy Gnocchi: Instead of traditional noodles, the soft gnocchi gives a fresh twist and texture you and your family will rave about.
Rich Creamy Flavor: The combination of chicken broth and heavy cream makes the soup luscious without feeling too heavy.
Nutritious and Filling: Tucked inside you’ll find fresh spinach and veggies, making it wholesome and balanced.

A white bowl filled with thick creamy soup shows a mix of soft yellow gnocchi, green spinach leaves, small white pieces of chicken, and thin orange carrot strips, all floating in a light cream-colored broth speckled with black pepper; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a small white bowl of mixed black, white, red, and green peppercorns, a piece of torn bread, two shiny silver spoons placed side by side, and a white plate holding two pieces of sesame-covered bread, with a blue striped cloth partly visible on the left side, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this soup blend beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. You’ll find that each wholesome element plays a key role, from the tender chicken that soaks up herbs to the creamy gnocchi that thickens the broth just perfectly.

Flat lay of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with pale pink flesh and smooth skin, half a yellow onion diced into small neat cubes, four cloves of garlic whole and unpeeled with creamy white papery skins, one celery stalk cut into crisp green pieces, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely shredded bright orange carrots, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl containing heavy cream with a smooth, glossy surface, a small white ceramic bowl holding pillowy potato gnocchi pasta, a tight bundle of fresh baby spinach leaves with vibrant deep green color, a single dried bay leaf with muted olive tones, scattered dried basil and Italian seasoning herbs in small delicate piles, a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg powder as warm beige dust, whole uncracked eggs with smooth light brown shells arranged symmetrically, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry 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 juicy and shred nicely, soaking in all the flavors without drying out.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
Garlic: A must-have for its warm, aromatic punch that wakes up every bite.
Celery: Brings a savory crunch and a fresh vegetable note that balances the creaminess.
Carrots: I like using shredded carrots—they melt into the broth enhancing sweetness without big chunks.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all ingredients together; opt for low-sodium so you can control salt.
Dried basil and Italian seasoning: Classic herbal notes that elevate the soup’s flavor profile.
Ground nutmeg: Just a hint gives warmth and complexity, trust me on this one.
Bay leaf: Infuses a subtle earthy aroma during the slow cook.
Heavy cream: Adds the buttery richness that makes the soup decadent and silky.
Potato gnocchi: These little doughy pillows absorb flavor perfectly while thickening the broth.
Baby spinach: Tossed in last to keep things fresh and vibrant, plus a boost of nutrients.

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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 my favorite things about the Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it just the way you like. Play with herbs, swap veggies, or make it a bit lighter—whatever suits your taste buds or pantry.

Variation: I once added sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a slightly tangy, spicy kick — seriously tasty and worth trying!
Dietary swaps: Need it dairy-free? Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and gluten-free gnocchi for a safe guess.
Extra veggies: Sometimes I'll toss in mushrooms or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.

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

Step 1: Layer the Base Flavors

Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and shredded carrots right on top. This layering helps the chicken absorb all those wonderful vegetable flavors as it cooks. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the dried basil, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken broth over everything, so it’s all nicely bathed in liquid before you set the timer.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker on high for 3 to 4 hours, or low for 6 to 8 hours if you want to start it earlier and let it cook gently all day. The chicken will become irresistibly tender, and the broth will soak up all the herbs and veggie goodness. Make sure not to rush this step—it’s the heart of the flavor development.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Cream & Gnocchi

Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks or chop if you prefer chunks. Don’t forget to fish out and discard the bay leaf—it’s done its job. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Cook on high for another 30 to 45 minutes until the gnocchi is soft and the soup thickens up beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Season

Finally, toss in the fresh baby spinach, cover the slow cooker, and let the residual heat wilt the greens—this only takes a few minutes. Give the soup a taste—adjust salt and pepper if needed—and it’s ready to serve. That fresh spinach adds the perfect touch of color and brightness to balance the creamy richness.

Top Tip

I've made this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe countless times, and a few lessons have really helped me get it just right every time. These little tips can save you from common pitfalls and elevate your soup to perfection.

Don’t add gnocchi too early: Adding gnocchi at the very start makes it soggy and mushy by the time the soup is done—adding it later keeps it pillowy and perfect.
Shred chicken while warm: It’s way easier to pull apart when it’s still warm straight from the slow cooker, and the texture stays better.
Use low-sodium broth: This gives you more control over seasoning and prevents the soup from getting too salty as it reduces.
Skip the bay leaf before serving: It can add an off-putting texture if left in your bowl—remove it right after cooking for the best experience.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Chicken Gnocchi Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to top this soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of herbal freshness. A little cracked black pepper and a dash of grated Parmesan also add a nice savory zing. Honestly, just a side of crusty bread to soak up that creamy broth makes it feel complete in the best way.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully here, balancing the richness of the soup. Or you can’t go wrong with roasted garlic bread or cheesy garlic knots to keep things cozy and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this soup in mini bread bowls — it doubles the comfort factor and impresses guests. You can also garnish with crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of pesto on top for a flavor boost and eye-catching presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the gnocchi can soak up liquid over time, the soup may thicken quite a bit when chilled — just stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating to get that silky texture back.

Freezing

Freezing works, but I find the gnocchi gets a little softer after thawing. If possible, freeze the soup before adding gnocchi, then cook with fresh gnocchi when you reheat for the best results. Still super tasty and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent curdling of the cream. Adding a bit more broth or cream while warming helps loosen any thickened parts up. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir every minute or so to keep it even.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of raw breasts?

Definitely! If you have pre-cooked chicken, add it in the last hour of cooking or simply skip the initial cooking step. This saves time and still yields great flavor. Just adjust the gnocchi cooking time accordingly.

What type of gnocchi works best for this recipe?

Store-bought fresh potato gnocchi is perfect here because it cooks quickly and has that soft, pillowy texture. Frozen gnocchi works too, but be mindful of cooking time since it may vary slightly.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep lunches or dinners. Just be sure to store leftovers properly and refresh with a little broth upon reheating to keep it creamy.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and choose dairy-free gnocchi to keep it friendly for dairy-sensitive eaters. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again. For me, it’s like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket after a long day—simple, nourishing, and full of comforting flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how easy it is to fill your home with warmth and satisfaction. Trust me, once you have this on your weeknight rotation, it’ll become a go-to favorite too!