If you’ve ever stared into your fridge at 4:47 PM like it personally betrayed you… friend, Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is about to become your new safety blanket in a bowl.
This is the kind of dinner that feels like you worked way harder than you actually did. It’s creamy, comforting, and has those pillowy little gnocchi bites that make everyone go quiet for a second (which, if you have kids, is basically a miracle). The best part? Your slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you live your life—work, errands, carpool, or just hiding in the pantry for a moment of peace. No judgment. I’ve been there.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Set-it-and-forget-it ease: Toss in the basics, walk away, come back to a kitchen that smells like “someone responsible lives here.”
- Creamy without being fussy: Heavy cream makes it rich, but the process stays simple.
- Family-friendly comfort: It’s cozy like a sweater… but edible.
- Perfect for busy days: Start it in the morning, dinner basically cooks itself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this soup creamy, hearty, and weeknight-proof:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs work too if you love darker meat)
- 4 cups chicken broth (I prefer low-sodium so you can control salt)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked gnocchi (about a 16 oz store-bought package—time saver!)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (loosely packed)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Little note from my kitchen: I’m a big fan of using what makes life easier. Store-bought gnocchi is one of those “thank you, modern grocery store” moments.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This is truly one of those recipes where you do a little upfront, then let the crockpot do its cozy magic.
Step 1: Load the crockpot
Add these to your slow cooker:
- chicken breasts
- chicken broth
- diced onion
- minced garlic
- a good pinch of salt and pepper
Give it a quick stir. The chicken will look pale and sad at first. Don’t worry—this story has a happy ending.
Step 2: Cook low and slow (or faster if you must)
- Low: 6–7 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
It’s ready when the chicken shreds easily with a fork and hits 165°F inside. If you’re home, you can stir halfway through, but it’s not required. (Your crockpot won’t hold a grudge.)
Step 3: Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken breasts, place them on a cutting board, and shred using two forks. If it fights back, it needs more time. If it falls apart like it’s tired of being whole—perfect.
Return shredded chicken back into the crockpot.
Step 4: Add gnocchi, spinach, and cream
Now stir in:
- uncooked gnocchi
- chopped spinach
- heavy cream
Cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, just until the gnocchi floats and turns tender and pillowy.
Watch closely: overcooked gnocchi can go from “soft clouds” to “mushy regret” pretty fast.
Step 5: Taste and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. I usually add more black pepper here because pepper + creamy soup = happiness.
Serve hot and enjoy the silence at the table (or the “Mom, can I have seconds?” chorus).
The Big Mistake to Avoid (Seriously, Save Yourself)
Do not add the gnocchi at the beginning.
If you toss it in early, it will break down and turn into mush, and your soup will feel more like… chowder-meets-wallpaper-paste. Adding gnocchi in the last 30 minutes keeps those little dumplings tender and delightful.
My Favorite Tips for Extra-Cozy Results
Because we all deserve dinner wins that feel effortless:
- Use low-sodium broth: It’s easier to add salt later than to fix an overly salty soup.
- Chicken thighs = richer flavor: If you like a little extra “comfort food energy,” thighs are amazing here.
- Keep the cream for the end: Dairy can separate if it cooks too long. Adding it late keeps things smooth and creamy.
- Spinach goes fast: Don’t overthink it—once it hits the hot soup, it wilts quickly.
- Gnocchi timing matters: Think of gnocchi like a delicate little diva—late entrance only.
And if your soup looks a little too thick after gnocchi, just splash in more broth. Soup is forgiving. Unlike my laundry pile.
A Little Personal Story From My Kitchen
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup became my go-to when I needed something comforting that didn’t require me to “perform” dinner. You know those days where everyone’s hungry, you’re tired, and cooking feels like another job? The first time I made this, the smell alone made my home feel calmer. And when I saw everyone happily spooning up those fluffy gnocchi, I thought: Okay… this is staying in the rotation.
Also, I love any meal that makes people think I worked harder than I did. That’s not laziness. That’s strategy.

FAQs About Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs stay super juicy and add a deeper flavor. Just cook the same way and shred as usual.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Thaw it first and squeeze out excess water so your soup doesn’t get watery.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will soak up some liquid, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
You can, but creamy soups sometimes change texture after freezing, and gnocchi can get softer. If you plan to freeze, the best approach is freezing the soup before adding gnocchi and cream, then adding them fresh when reheating.
Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
You can, but creamy soups sometimes change texture after freezing, and gnocchi can get softer. If you plan to freeze, the best approach is freezing the soup before adding gnocchi and cream, then adding them fresh when reheating.
What should I serve with it?
Something simple and cozy:
crusty bread or garlic bread
a basic side salad
crackers for dunking (highly recommended)
Bring the Comfort: Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Night
If your week needs an easy win, Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the kind of recipe that shows up for you. It’s creamy, warm, and filling—without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone. Start it in the morning, live your life, then come back to a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
And if you make it, I hope you get that moment where everyone’s happily eating and you think, Wow… I nailed this. Because you did.
More Cozy Bowls to Try Next
If Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup hit the spot and made dinner feel a little easier (and a lot cozier), don’t stop here—your slow-cooker-loving heart deserves a few more warm, comforting favorites. Here are four reader-loved recipes that keep the same creamy, hearty, “everyone’s happy” vibe:
- Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Copycat) – Because if you love gnocchi in your soup, you might as well go all-in with that cozy restaurant-style bowl at home.
- Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi – A rich, creamy dinner with gnocchi that feels like comfort food therapy (the kind that doesn’t talk back).
- Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup – Same easy slow-cooker energy, with a cheesy, kid-friendly vibe that disappears fast.
- Slow Cooker Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup – When you want cozy and a little kick—still creamy, still simple, still a total win.
If you make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I’d love to hear what you think—scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review! Your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite cozy dinner.
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cozy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup made with tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, spinach, and a rich, comforting broth—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
-
1 onion, diced
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
2 cups uncooked gnocchi (about 16 oz store-bought)
-
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (loosely packed)
-
1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
-
Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir briefly.
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F and shreds easily.
-
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
-
Stir in gnocchi, spinach, and heavy cream. Cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, until gnocchi is tender and floating.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
Important: Add gnocchi at the end only—if it cooks all day, it can turn mushy.
Chicken thighs work great if you prefer darker meat.
If the soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 Hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1½ cups
- Calories: 405 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg