Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Hearty Comfort in No Time
Short introduction
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delicious and warming dish, perfect for any time of year. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a creamy broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Just set it and forget it.
Why you’ll love it
This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients like vegetables and lean protein, making it not only filling but healthy too. The slow cooking process melds flavors beautifully, giving you a comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a busy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and clean up!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Substitutions & key variations
If you want to make this soup lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas or more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Adding fresh spinach or kale not only boosts the nutrition but also adds a lovely green color to the dish. You can switch the spices as well by adding your favorite herbs like basil or parsley.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, diced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 2
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. As it cooks, the flavors will blend and the chicken will become tender.
Step 3
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks and return the shredded chicken back to the soup.
Step 4
Add the gnocchi and the heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir everything together well.
Step 5
Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 6
For added nutrition, feel free to toss in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Success tips
- Cooking on low helps the chicken become super tender and flavorful.
- Stir the soup occasionally, if possible, to mix the ingredients.
- Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender but not mushy.
How to serve
Serve your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup hot, garnishing with fresh herbs or some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also use the microwave; just be sure to stir occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a bit of chicken broth when reheating to regain the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just extend the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook thoroughly.
2. Is this soup freezable?
While this soup can be frozen, the gnocchi may change texture when thawed. If you plan to freeze leftovers, consider cooking and adding the gnocchi fresh when serving.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator, then cook them the next day.
4. Can I use other pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, you can substitute gnocchi with small pasta shapes such as bowties or shells. Adjust cooking time to ensure the pasta is cooked properly.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a balanced dish, providing a good source of protein from chicken and carbohydrates from gnocchi. It also packs in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for family dinners.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful, easy-to-make recipe that comforts, nourishes, and warms. It’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights in. Gather your ingredients, set the crockpot, and enjoy the delightful results without much fuss!
If you’re looking for more easy recipes, check out our links below for similar dishes that the whole family will love!
Links to related recipes
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A delightful blend of fresh tomatoes and basil.
- Chicken and Vegetable Stew: A hearty option for a cold day.
- Easy Slow Cooker Chili: Perfect for game day or any night of the week.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts Can use frozen chicken breasts; adjust cooking time.
- 2 cups chicken broth For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces gnocchi Substitutable with small pasta; adjust cooking time.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be replaced with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, diced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return the shredded chicken back to the soup.
- Add the gnocchi and the heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir everything together well.
- Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender. To thicken, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup.
- For added nutrition, toss in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.