If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s as comforting as a cozy hug, you’re going to adore this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup balances tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh spinach all swimming in a luscious creamy broth. Whether you’re new to slow cooker soups or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that this recipe is simple, satisfying, and perfect for any day you want a little extra comfort in a bowl.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: Just toss ingredients in and let your slow cooker do all the work for a hands-off dinner.
Creamy Comfort in Every Spoonful: The heavy cream and gnocchi create a rich, velvety texture that feels indulgent but still homey.
Balanced Freshness: Fresh herbs and spinach brighten up the soup, so it’s never too heavy or one-dimensional.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this — it’s become a staple when we want something warm and delicious without fuss.

This close-up image shows a creamy soup with visible layers including off-white creamy broth, shredded white chicken pieces mixed in, yellow small potato chunks, orange carrot bits, bright green spinach leaves, and pieces of pale celery. The soup surface is sprinkled with coarse black pepper. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is partly visible on the side, holding some of the soup. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, hearty slow cooker soup, easy chicken and gnocchi recipe, comforting creamy soup, effortless weeknight dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a role—from the fragrant herbs to the creamy broth and tender gnocchi. Keep an eye out for fresh rosemary and good-quality chicken broth; those little details really boost the final taste.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion quartered, three peeled and chopped bright orange carrots, three fresh celery stalks with leaves, four peeled garlic cloves, three raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small bundle of fresh thyme sprigs, three fresh rosemary sprigs, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, a small white bowl of white cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a pile of uncooked soft potato gnocchi, and a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic background placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, hearty slow cooker soup, easy chicken and gnocchi recipe, comforting creamy soup, effortless weeknight dinner

Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base that mellows as it simmers.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and texture to the broth.
Celery: Gives a subtle herbal crunch and depth.
Garlic: A must for that signature aromatic kick.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to shred and soak up all the flavors.
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning layers throughout the cooking process.
Fresh Thyme: Adds brightness and pairs beautifully with rosemary.
Rosemary Sprigs: Imparts an earthy pine note that’s absolutely irresistible.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The flavorful base without overpowering saltiness.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the soup for that creamy, hearty consistency.
Heavy Cream: Makes the soup luxuriously smooth and rich.
Gnocchi: These tender potato dumplings soak up the broth and give the soup a unique, comforting bite.
Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of color that’s good for you too.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love giving this soup my own spin depending on the season or what’s on hand. Don’t hesitate to customize it—you might find a combo that knocks your socks off! Here are a few tweaks I often make to keep things interesting and tailored to preferences or diets.

Make it Dairy-Free: I’ve swapped the heavy cream for coconut milk with success. The soup still turns out rich but with a subtle tropical twist.
Vegetable Swap: Sometimes I add mushrooms or green beans for extra texture and earthiness, especially in fall or winter.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños gave my family a fun little surprise that warmed us up on chilly nights.
Herb Variation: If thyme or rosemary isn’t on hand, sage or oregano work great too! I usually keep fresh herbs but dried can do in a pinch—just reduce quantities.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Layer the flavors in your slow cooker

Start by combining chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in the bowl of your slow cooker—it’s your soup’s flavor foundation. Next, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides and place them over the veggies. Tuck in sprigs of fresh rosemary and sprinkle fresh thyme over everything, then pour your chicken broth right in. The herbs infuse subtle aromatic notes that bring the soup to life. Set your slow cooker to high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours. This long, gentle cooking breaks down the veggies and cooks the chicken to tender perfection.

Step 2: Shred, thicken, and add cream and gnocchi

Once the slow cooker has done its magic, remove the chicken breasts and rosemary sprigs. I usually discard the rosemary since it’s spent all its flavor by this point. Use two forks to shred the chicken finely—this is one of my favorite parts because the chicken almost melts apart with ease. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Then, take about 1/4 cup of the hot broth and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this back in—this little trick thickens the soup nicely. Now stir in the heavy cream and the package of gnocchi, then cover and cook on high for 45 minutes more. This step lets the gnocchi cook through and plumps them up in the creamy broth.

Step 3: Stir in fresh spinach and season to taste

Finally, stir in the baby spinach right before serving. You’ll see it wilt and add beautiful green contrast and a fresh bite. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. That pepper just brings everything together with a little peppery punch.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Don’t Skip Fresh Herbs: I learned that fresh rosemary and thyme give a depth that dried just can’t match—totally worth the extra step.
Perfect Shredded Chicken: Removing the chicken and shredding it separately ensures tender chunks and prevents overcooking in the broth.
Use the Cornstarch Slurry: Mixing cornstarch with some hot broth first avoids lumps and gives you smooth, creamy soup every time.
Add Gnocchi Last: Cooking gnocchi too early makes it mushy—adding it in the final 45 minutes keeps them tender but intact.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

The dish is a creamy soup served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. It has several layers including large pale yellow potato pieces scattered around the bowl with shredded white chicken pieces on top. There are bright orange carrot cubes and light green celery bits mixed throughout, along with fresh green spinach leaves visible near the top. The creamy broth is pale off-white with specks of black pepper sprinkled on everything. The textures include soft potatoes, tender chicken shreds, crunchy vegetables, and leafy greens, all blending in a rich sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, hearty slow cooker soup, easy chicken and gnocchi recipe, comforting creamy soup, effortless weeknight dinner

Garnishes

I usually top this soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra cracks of black pepper. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that balances the creaminess perfectly. For a pop of color and crunch, chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil works wonders too. These simple garnishes make the soup feel extra special without complicating things.

Side Dishes

This soup is really satisfying on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, I love pairing it with crusty bread—like a fresh baguette or garlic knots—to soak up every last bit of creamy broth. A simple green salad with bright vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and adding freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special gatherings, I sometimes serve this soup in rustic bread bowls—everyone loves digging in! Another fun way is to ladle it into individual mini cocottes or ramekins and sprinkle a bit of cheese and herbs on top for a pretty, personalized touch. It’s a great way to elevate a simple slow cooker recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the cream and ingredients.

Freezing

Because of the cream and gnocchi, freezing this soup is a little tricky—it can change the texture. I’ve had decent results freezing it without the gnocchi and cream added, then stirring them in fresh when reheating. If you want to freeze the full soup, do so in small portions and expect the texture to be a little less silky after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid curdling the cream or overcooking the gnocchi. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or water if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works fine—just do it in short bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can cut down on prep and cooking time. Just add the chicken towards the end of cooking (right before the cream and gnocchi) so it doesn’t overcook or dry out. This method is great if you need a quicker weeknight meal.
What can I substitute for gnocchi if I can’t find it?

If gnocchi isn’t available, small pasta shapes like mini shells, ditalini, or even tortellini work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since fresh pasta often cooks faster. Keep in mind the soup’s texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi (available at many grocery stores) and make sure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good there. This recipe is easily adapted without losing flavor or texture.
Can I prepare this soup without a slow cooker?

Definitely. You can simmer the vegetables and chicken on the stovetop in a large pot for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, then proceed with shredding and adding the rest of the ingredients as instructed. Just keep an eye on liquid levels and cooking times when switching methods.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe has truly earned its spot in my regular rotation. It’s delicious, straightforward, and fills your kitchen with the kind of smells that tell guests you care. I love how it’s cozy but fresh, simple yet special. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself after a long day, I’m confident this soup will comfort you just like it’s comforted me countless times. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!