Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken breasts simmer with aromatic herbs, garlic, and onions in a flavorful chicken broth, then enriched with creamy pesto, kale, and pillowy gnocchi. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal effort, delivering a rich and satisfying soup that’s both filling and nourishing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 1.5–2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4–5 cups chopped kale
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 bay leaf
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, rolled between your hands
- Salt & pepper to taste
Liquids & Additions
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 16 ounces gnocchi
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 tablespoon prepared pesto
Optional Garnishes
- Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the base: Add the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over these ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred chicken and assemble soup: Remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker. Carefully shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Then add the chopped kale, gnocchi, heavy cream, and prepared pesto into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking on low for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the kale has softened, creating a creamy, flavorful soup.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy your creamy, comforting slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken soup, creamy chicken gnocchi soup, easy chicken soup recipe, slow cooker dinner, comfort food soup, pesto chicken soup
