Comforting Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting meal full of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi, all made without heavy cream. It’s perfect on chilly nights served with crusty bread and a simple green salad for a homey dinner that warms you from the inside out.

I first made this soup on a busy Sunday when I wanted something hearty but fuss free, and now it is a family favorite we turn to every fall and winter. The meltinyourmouth gnocchi makes it feel special yet easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredients

• One pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: lean protein that shreds beautifully in the slow cooker
• Two cups mirepoix made of onions, celery, and carrots: builds a flavorful vegetable base and adds natural sweetness
• One to two teaspoons dried basil: a fragrant herb that brightens the soup choose fresh looking leaves for best aroma
• One to two teaspoons Italian seasoning: adds depth with a blend of thyme oregano and rosemary pick a quality mix without fillers
• One teaspoon poultry seasoning: enhances the chicken with gentle savory notes keep it fresh as the herbs lose intensity over time
• One teaspoon salt: balances flavors and helps tenderize the chicken
• Four cups chicken broth: use low sodium for better control over salt and a richer taste
• Three tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in two tablespoons water: thickens the soup gently without changing texture
• Two 12ounce cans evaporated milk: provides creamy texture without heaviness avoid canned milk with added sugar
• Two onepound packages gnocchi (about four cups): soft pillowy dumplings that soak up flavor look for fresh or frozen varieties without preservatives
• Six slices bacon: adds smoky crispy texture pick thickcut for best results
• Two to three cloves garlic minced: adds pungent warmth and complexity
• Two cups fresh baby spinach: freshens the soup with a mild leafy green that wilts perfectly in residual heat

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Cook the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts mirepoix mixture dried basil Italian seasoning poultry seasoning salt and chicken broth in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for four to five hours or on low for six to eight hours. The slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and lets all the flavors meld together. When done shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks to keep it tender and juicy.

Thicken the Soup and Add Gnocchi:

Mix the cornstarch with water until dissolved then add this mixture along with the evaporated milk and gnocchi to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Replace the lid and allow the soup to cook for another forty five minutes to one hour. This time softens the gnocchi completely and the cornstarch thickens the broth to a silky luscious consistency.

Prepare Bacon and Spinach Mixture:

While the soup thickens finely chop the bacon and fry it in a large skillet until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels reserving just a small amount of the bacon grease in the pan. Add the minced garlic to the pan with the bacon grease and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Toss the fresh baby spinach in the skillet and stir until wilted. Remove the pan from heat and mix the crispy bacon bits back in.

Combine and Final Seasoning:

Add the bacon and spinach mixture to the crockpot and stir it into the thickened soup. If the soup becomes too thick add a little water or additional broth to reach your preferred consistency. Taste the soup carefully and adjust the salt and pepper as needed according to the saltiness of your broth and personal preference. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

My favorite ingredient here is the gnocchi it’s the star that transforms the soup from simple to truly comforting. I remember making this on a family cold night and seeing everyone scoop second and third bowls because those little pillows of dough are so addictive. It really proves how comfort food does not have to be complicated.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating do so gently over low heat or in short microwave bursts to avoid breaking down the gnocchi too much. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating helps maintain the right consistency as the soup thickens as it cools.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer darker meat with more flavor and moisture. Gnocchi can be substituted with small pasta shapes like orecchiette or tortellini but fresh gnocchi is best for texture. If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand full fat milk with a tablespoon of flour stirred in can simulate thickness but the richness will be milder.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad tossed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A slice of warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few cracks of black pepper on top to finish it off beautifully.

This cozy slow cooker soup is easy to make and perfect for cold nights. Serve warm with crusty bread and enjoy a comforting bowl in minutes.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for slow cooking?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well as they shred easily and cook evenly over several hours.

→ How do I thicken the broth without cream?

A cornstarch slurry dissolved in water is added toward the end to naturally thicken the broth without added cream.

→ Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried basil and Italian seasoning?

Fresh herbs can be used but should be added later in cooking to retain their vibrant flavors.

→ What is mirepoix and why is it used?

Mirepoix is a mix of chopped onions, celery, and carrots that adds a rich vegetable base and depth to the broth.

→ How can I add extra flavor to this dish?

Crispy bacon pieces and sautéed garlic and spinach are folded in toward the end to enhance savoriness and texture.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish without a slow cooker?

Yes, an Instant Pot allows faster pressure cooking while maintaining tender chicken and rich broth.