Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Easy, Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is your answer to busy weeknight dinners that demand flavor without the fuss. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have a pot of creamy, hearty soup waiting for you at the end of the day. Perfect for when you want homemade comfort but don’t have the time to hover over the stove.

I get it—traditional chicken gnocchi soup recipes can take up to an hour or more of hands-on cooking time. But this slow cooker version eliminates all the hassle. Toss in the ingredients, and let the magic happen while you check off the rest of your to-do list. Trust me, this creamy slow cooker soup will feel like a hug in a bowl after a long day.

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Is a Game-Changer

• It’s hands-off: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, giving you 7-8 hours to focus on anything but dinner.
• Minimal prep: Just 15 minutes of chopping and you’re done—no babysitting a pot on the stove.
• Perfectly tender chicken: Cooking low and slow ensures moist, flavorful chicken that’s easy to shred.
• One appliance, less cleanup: Thanks to a Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liner, cleanup is as easy as lifting it out and tossing it.
• Customizable: It’s easy to make this homemade chicken gnocchi soup dairy-free, vegetarian, or even pack in extra vegetables!

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Don’t have a slow cooker? It’s a must for recipes like this. For creamy slow cooker soup perfection, I recommend a 4-6 quart slow cooker to ensure everything cooks evenly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Slow Cooker: Any 4-6 quart model will work, but programmable ones let you set precise cooking times.
• Slow Cooker Liner: I’m obsessed with these for making cleanup effortless.
• Whisk: You’ll need this for mixing your cream and cornstarch to keep the soup silky smooth.

Tip: If your slow cooker has a sauté function, you can quickly sweat the aromatics before adding other ingredients to boost flavor. Not essential, but a fun add-on!

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to find everything at the grocery store. You likely already have most ingredients on hand!

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless is the way to go for tender shredded chicken with no extra trimming needed.
• Gnocchi: Grab pre-packaged gnocchi from the pasta aisle. Fresh or shelf-stable both work here.
• Heavy Cream: For that luscious, creamy texture. You can also sub evaporated milk for a slightly lighter option.
• Fresh Spinach: A handful of vibrant greens stirred in just before serving adds color and a boost of nutrients. Frozen spinach works too—just thaw and squeeze out any excess water first.

Pro tip: Double-check your gnocchi’s cooking instructions. Different brands might have varying cook times, so adjust as needed when adding them in step 7.

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe Details

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ingredients

• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 cups small gnocchi (500g)
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Instructions

1. Place a Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liner into your 4-6 quart slow cooker for easy cleanup.
2. Add chopped celery, carrots, onion, parsley, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth into the slow cooker, then stir well to combine.
3. Lay the chicken breasts on top, pressing them into the liquid so they’re submerged.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks (or chop it into bite-sized pieces). Add it back into the soup.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth, then pour it into the slow cooker. Add the gnocchi.
7. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on HIGH for 1 hour or until the gnocchi are tender and the soup thickens slightly.
8. Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan, letting the heat of the soup wilt the spinach.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Shred smarter: Use a handheld mixer to shred chicken right in the slow cooker—it’s fast and mess-free.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Add it towards the end of the cooking cycle to avoid mushy dumplings.
• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer tip: Freeze the soup base (without the cream, spinach, or gnocchi) for up to 3 months. Add the remaining ingredients when reheating.
• Boost flavor: Mix in a splash of white wine with the broth for an extra layer of richness.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Variations

• Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and skip the Parmesan for a vegan-friendly thickener like cashew cream.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms or cannellini beans and opt for vegetable broth.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for warming heat.
• Protein-packed: Use cooked sausage or shredded turkey instead of chicken for a new twist.

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, absolutely! If you’ve got cooked chicken on hand, like shredded rotisserie chicken, add it in with the gnocchi toward the end so it warms through without becoming overcooked.

What’s the best way to reheat this soup?

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals. Avoid overheating as the cream may separate.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! Just leave out the gnocchi and spinach before freezing. Add them fresh when reheating to keep the texture spot on.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a cashew-based cream substitute, but note that the flavor will change slightly.

Now that you’ve got all the tools to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, what kitchen shortcut are you excited to try next? Share your tips in the comments!