Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich creamy broth, it's sure to become a family favorite.
This soup combines the heartiness of chicken and gnocchi with a creamy, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that comforts on cold days
- Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Bursting with flavor from fresh ingredients
A Perfect Comfort Food
When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and warmth. This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect solution for those cold evenings. The combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth creates a meal that is both satisfying and nourishing. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful.
What makes this soup truly special is its ability to be both hearty and light at the same time. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the gnocchi adds a delightful, pillowy texture that elevates the dish. You’ll find that each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Easy Preparation with Minimal Effort
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With the use of a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time without requiring constant attention. This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Just toss in the ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work for you while you focus on other tasks or relax.
The minimal hands-on time involved means you can have a delicious homemade meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. This is particularly great for those who might be intimidated by cooking or for anyone looking to maximize their time without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not just a one-time meal; it’s perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch on the weekend, and you’ll have lunches or quick dinners ready to go throughout the week. Simply store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and reheat as needed. The flavors only get better over time, making it a great make-ahead option.
Leftovers can be a lifesaver for those busy days when cooking feels like a chore. This soup holds up well in the fridge, and you can even freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to leave out the cream until you’re ready to enjoy it, as adding dairy before freezing can change the texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
Add Vegetables and Broth
Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, and parsley. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Add Gnocchi and Cream
Stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious creamy soup!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from your refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
When reheating, you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you find that the soup has thickened too much during storage, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your soup experience, consider pairing your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a side salad or some crusty bread. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the rich flavors of the soup beautifully, while warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like basil or additional parsley can also enhance the presentation and add a pop of color.
Customization Ideas
This soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables such as spinach, kale, or mushrooms to boost the nutrition content and flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative. This way, you can enjoy the creamy texture without as many calories. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, making it easy to adapt to your dietary preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to increase the cooking time.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer a lighter soup.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add spinach, kale, or any other veggies you enjoy.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich creamy broth, it's sure to become a family favorite.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, and parsley. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g