There’s something incredibly cozy about a rich, creamy bowl of soup simmered to perfection. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a hearty broth that feels like a warm hug on chilly days. Plus, it’s all done effortlessly in the slow cooker—hello, easy dinners!

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

I have a soft spot for meals that feel indulgent but actually take very little hands-on time—and this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s like a comfort meal you can set and forget, coming back to a kitchen filled with irresistible aromas and a bowl ready to dive into.

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, then relax while it does the work for you.
Perfectly Creamy: The addition of heavy cream and nutmeg turns this soup into something rich without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Flavorful and Balanced: A blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and fresh spinach adds depth without complexity.
Family Friendly: With tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, it’s a meal everyone — from kids to adults — will enjoy.

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

The magic behind this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredient choices. Each component brings something special—whether it’s flavor, texture, or richness—to the bowl. Shopping for fresh veggies and quality broth makes all the difference in the final taste.

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: Lean and tender protein that holds up well to slow cooking and shreds easily.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth—don’t skip it, it’s a classic flavor base.
Garlic: Aromatic and essential for that savory punch.
Celery: Brings subtle earthiness and a little crunch.
Carrots: Natural sweetness and color—you can shred them to melt 'into' the soup.
Chicken broth: The soup’s soul—choose good quality or homemade for best flavor.
Dried basil & Italian seasoning: Classic herbs that complement chicken and vegetables perfectly.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds warm, cozy depth without being overpowering.
Bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes during cooking—remember to remove before serving.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors.
Heavy cream: Richness that turns the broth into a velvety, luxurious soup.
Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that make this soup uniquely comforting compared to regular noodles.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds freshness and color; it wilts gently into the hot soup just before serving.

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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

I like to mix things up depending on what’s in my pantry or the season. This soup is a great canvas for your favorite veggies and herbs, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to your taste. I often throw in some mushrooms or swap spinach for kale when I want a bit more texture.

Variation: Once, I swapped out the chicken breasts for thighs to get extra juiciness—and it worked beautifully, giving a richer flavor with minimal effort.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to keep it creamy but dairy-free.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking or drizzle hot sauce on your serving bowl for some heat.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with extra gnocchi and hearty mushrooms for a cozy twist.

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

Step 1: Layering the Ingredients

Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker—this keeps them submerged in flavorful broth as they cook. Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and shredded carrots on top. Don’t rush the seasoning here; sprinkle dried basil, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf evenly over everything to build layers of flavor from the get-go. Pour your chicken broth gently over the veggies and meat to avoid disturbing the seasoning.

Step 2: Slow Cooking to Tender Perfection

Set the slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method really lets the flavors meld, but if you’re in a hurry, the high setting is great too. Check the chicken—they should be completely cooked and tender to the touch.

Step 3: Shred and Combine

Carefully remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, or chop if you prefer chunks. Don’t forget to fish out and discard the bay leaf from the slow cooker before returning the chicken to the pot to avoid any bitter surprises.

Step 4: Creamy Finale with Gnocchi and Spinach

Pour in the heavy cream and add your potato gnocchi. Switch the slow cooker back to high and cook for another 30 to 45 minutes until gnocchi are tender and the soup has thickened to a creamy consistency. Finally, toss in the fresh spinach, cover, and let it wilt naturally in the residual heat for a perfect fresh pop. Give the soup one last taste—adjust salt and pepper as needed—and it’s ready to serve!

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, cooking this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe taught me a few tricks that really make a difference. These tips will help you get that perfect texture and flavor every time.

Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Adding gnocchi too early can turn them gummy. Wait until the soup is nearly done, then add them so they cook just right.
Season incrementally: I find adding salt and pepper in stages—before cooking and after adding cream—balances flavors better.
Shred chicken while warm: It’s easier to shred when freshly cooked, and the pieces absorb the soup flavors better.
Let it sit before serving: Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking to thicken up and blend flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Chicken Gnocchi Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of cracked black pepper—it adds a nice salty brightness. Sometimes, I also use chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a mild herbal kick.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or garlic breadsticks are my go-to companions with this soup. They’re perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like serving the soup in mini bread bowls. It looks charming and adds an edible vessel to the meal! You could also divide the soup into individual mason jars for a cute, casual presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup thickens nicely overnight, so if it seems a bit too thick when reheating, just stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a couple of times, but I recommend undercooking the gnocchi slightly before freezing to avoid mushiness. Freeze in portions without adding raw spinach (add fresh when reheating). Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat to keep the cream from curdling. A gentle stir while warming helps recombine the soup, and tossing in fresh spinach at this point refreshes the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this soup?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but add extra cook time to ensure they’re fully cooked through. For frozen chicken, I recommend cooking on low for about 8-9 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.

What if I can’t find potato gnocchi?

If potato gnocchi isn’t available, you can use regular pasta like small shells or ditalini as a substitute. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary, so add it toward the end and watch for tenderness.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or your favorite dairy-free cream alternative. This will still give you a creamy base without the dairy.

How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?

Add the gnocchi toward the very end of cooking and cook it just until tender, about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your slow cooker. Overcooking can make them mushy, so keep an eye on texture and adjust timing if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s comfort food elevated without the fuss. Sharing it with friends is always a highlight—I hope it becomes a staple in your home too. You’ll love how easy it is to prep, how satisfying it feels to eat, and how great it tastes. So grab your slow cooker, set it up, and treat yourself to something truly cozy tonight.