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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup carrots, sliced into rounds - 1 cup celery, diced into small pieces - 1 cup onion, chopped finely - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp dried thyme - 1 tsp dried basil - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups baby spinach Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Choose high-quality chicken for tender meat. Look for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. Fresh veggies like carrots and celery add crunch and flavor. Organic heavy cream gives a rich taste. If you can find fresh gnocchi, it will elevate the dish even more. If you want to switch things up, here are some ideas: - Chicken: Use turkey breast instead for a leaner option. - Broth: Vegetable broth works if you're going vegetarian. - Cream: For a lighter soup, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream. - Gnocchi: Use pasta like small shells if gnocchi is not available. - Spinach: Kale can substitute spinach for a different texture and taste. These swaps help you customize the soup while keeping it hearty and delicious! Start by getting your slow cooker ready. Place the whole boneless chicken breasts at the bottom. This is the base of your soup. Next, pour in four cups of chicken broth. This will give your soup a rich flavor. Now, add one cup of sliced carrots, one cup of diced celery, and one cup of chopped onion. These veggies add texture and taste. Lastly, sprinkle in three cloves of minced garlic for a nice kick. Now it's time to season the mixture. Evenly sprinkle one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of dried basil, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper over the top. Use a wooden spoon to stir gently, so all the flavors mix well. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the temperature to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and shreds easily. Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot. Next, pour in one cup of heavy cream. This makes the soup creamy and rich. Add one package of gnocchi, either fresh or frozen. Stir well and let it cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This time allows the gnocchi to become tender. Finally, stir in two cups of baby spinach and let it wilt for about 2-3 minutes. This adds color and nutrition to your soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. To make your soup really shine, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs like thyme and basil boost taste. For extra depth, sauté the garlic and onions before adding them to the slow cooker. This step brings out their natural sweetness. Don’t skip the seasoning! Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. A dash of lemon juice at the end also brightens the flavors. Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker. If you use the low setting, plan for 6 to 7 hours. On high, it should take 3 to 4 hours. To check if the chicken is done, it should shred easily. If you have more time, let it cook longer on low for deeper flavors. Just be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can turn mushy. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh touch. For a cozy dinner, serve with garlic bread. For a fancy twist, top each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color. Enjoying it with a glass of white wine can elevate your meal too. {{image_4}} You can lighten this soup by using low-fat cream instead of heavy cream. This change keeps the soup creamy but cuts down on fat. Just swap in an equal amount of low-fat cream. The taste remains rich while being a bit healthier. If you want a vegetarian meal, use tofu instead of chicken. Start by pressing firm tofu to remove extra moisture. Then, cube it and add it to your slow cooker with the other veggies. This will give you a hearty soup without meat. Add more spices if needed to boost the flavor. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this option made from potato or rice flour. You can also make your own by mixing mashed potatoes with gluten-free flour. This way, you can enjoy the soup while sticking to a gluten-free diet. To store your leftover chicken and gnocchi soup, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to keep the soup fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, pour the desired amount into a pot. Heat it over medium heat on the stove. Stir often to avoid burning. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Heat until it's warm throughout. This should take about 5-10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your soup, do so before adding the gnocchi. The gnocchi can change texture when frozen and reheated. Place the soup in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it on the stove and add fresh gnocchi before serving. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. The slow cooker will safely cook it. Just add the frozen chicken breasts to the bottom. Pour the broth and add vegetables as usual. Cook on high for about 4-5 hours. This way, you save time and still enjoy a great soup. You’ll know the soup is done when the chicken shreds easily. Use two forks to check. If it pulls apart without effort, it's ready. Also, check that the gnocchi are tender. They should only take about 30 minutes to cook after you add them. Yes, you can make this soup ahead. It tastes even better the next day! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve. If you plan to freeze it, add the spinach fresh after thawing. You now have everything to make a delicious slow cooker soup. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best flavor. Consider some tasty variations, too, like a healthy version or a vegetarian option. Proper storage and reheating help you enjoy leftovers later. Remember, you can ask questions if you're unsure about cooking times or using frozen chicken. With this guide, you're ready to create a meal that warms your soul. Enjoy your cooking!

Slow Cooker Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

Warm up with this delightful Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken & Gnocchi Soup that's perfect for chilly evenings! Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy goodness, this soup is an easy one-pot wonder. In just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready to enjoy. Click through to discover the full recipe and create a comforting bowl of deliciousness that your family will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup carrots, sliced into rounds

1 cup celery, diced into small pieces

1 cup onion, chopped finely

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (fresh or frozen)

2 cups baby spinach

Instructions
 

Prepare the Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, place the whole boneless chicken breasts at the bottom. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the sliced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top.

    Season the Mixture: Evenly sprinkle the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir gently, ensuring all flavors mingle.

      Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low. Allow the soup to cook for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and shreds easily.

        Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return the shredded meat back to the pot.

          Add Cream and Gnocchi: Pour in the heavy cream and add the gnocchi to the slow cooker. Stir well and allow the mixture to cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.

            Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes. This will give the soup a vibrant color and added nutrition.

              Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 7 hrs | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Scoop the cozy soup into deep bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh basil or parsley on top, and finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful, rustic finish. Enjoy!