Restless Chipotle

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
×
Home » Recipes » Cozy Crockpot Soups

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Published: Oct 8, 2024 · Updated: Mar 19, 2025 by Marye

This slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup recipe's a real keeper, y'all – it's luxuriously creamy and packed with all those warm herbal flavors and hearty, tender bites of chicken that warm you to your soul.
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
Overhead view of hands holding a bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup.
Collage of images of creamy chicken gnocchi soup with title text overlay for Pinterest.

Get ready to bring a little piece of Olive Garden right into your cozy kitchen with our down-home version of their classic creamy chicken gnocchi soup!

Best of all, it's all done with a slow cooker so it's perfect for busy days! It's full of those yummy herbs and chunky chicken pieces that'll warm you right up. No need to head out to the restaurant when you can whip this up at home.

Hands holding bowl of chicken gnocchi soup.
Table of Contents
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways: why this recipe is your new favorite
  • 🧾 Gather your ingredients: what you'll need
  • 📖 Make it your own: yummy variations
  • 🔪 Step-by-step guide: instructions for success
  • 🍴Must have tools: essential equipment
  • 🥫 Leftover love: how to store and reheat chicken gnocchi soup
  • Marye's Tip o' the day
  • 💭 Insider tips: things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 Let's answer those questions: FAQs
  • 📚 More Southern comfort: related recipes you'll love
  • 🍽️ Perfect pairings: what to serve with
  • 📞 Wrapping it up: the last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.

🗝️ Key takeaways: why this recipe is your new favorite

  • Pillowy gnocchi, flavorful chicken, and tender veggies simmer in a creamy broth to create a delicious soup that rivals the restaurant version!
  • This slow cooker soup recipe is delicious year-round but is especially yummy during the chilly Fall and Winter months.
  • Don’t stir cornstarch directly into hot soup or it will clump up! You've gotta mix it with cream first to make a luscious, smooth soup.

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup recipe is one of my favorite Olive Garden copycat recipes. It's so easy to make and every bite is creamy and comforting.

Slow cooker on the fritz? No slow cooker? Check out these slow cooker substitutes!

🧾 Gather your ingredients: what you'll need

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Labeled ingredients for slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup.

📖 Make it your own: yummy variations

  1. You can use skinless chicken thighs instead of skinless chicken breasts.
  2. This is a great recipe to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken! Just wait to add the shredded chicken 'til you’ve added the cornstarch slurry and gnocchi.
  3. I get store-bought gnocchi because it’s convenient, but you’re welcome to whip up homemade gnocchi from scratch!
  4. Kale is a great substitute for baby spinach. It will just need an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time to soften and wilt in the soup.
  5. If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute it with two teaspoons of garlic powder.
  6. For a lighter soup, swap out the regular half-and-half with fat-free half-and-half, evaporated milk, or whole milk.
  7. Or use heavy cream if you want an extra rich, creamy soup.

🔪 Step-by-step guide: instructions for success

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page. Click on the image to see it full size.

Adding stock to a crockpot with the other raw ingredients.

Cook chicken, carrots, celery, garlic, stock, and seasonings in a crock pot on low for 6-8 hours.

Stirring cornstarch into cream.

Mix two tablespoons cornstarch with light cream in a small bowl.

Adding the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot.

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and stir the cornstarch slurry into the hot soup.

Dumping the gnocchi into the soup in the crockpot.

Add the potato gnocchi.

Adding shredded chicken back into crockpot.

Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker.

Crockpot covered with lid to thicken.

Cover and cook on high heat until the soup thickens.

Spinach stirred into the gnocchi soup.

Stir in the fresh spinach.

Finished chicken gnocchi soup in the slow cooker.

Do a taste test and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

🤫 Marye's secret for zhuzhing it up -

Sprinkle the top of the soup with freshly grated parmesan cheese just before serving.

zhuzh: verb. To make something more interesting or attractive

🍴Must have tools: essential equipment

  1. slow cooker
  2. slow cooker liners
  3. instant read thermometer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.

🥫 Leftover love: how to store and reheat chicken gnocchi soup

Refrigerate leftover chicken gnocchi soup in an airtight container for up to four days. Leftover soup makes the best easy lunch or dinner the next day!

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. Freezing and thawing can cause the creamy broth to separate and change the texture of the gnocchi.

Add a little bit of cream before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop to thin out the soup. Simply heat 'til it's warm again, and enjoy!

A ladle full of chicken gnocchi soup.

Get recipes to your inbox! Join the FREE membership group and get kitchen organizer packet ($9.99 value) as our gift.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

Marye's Tip o' the day

Never add cornstarch directly to hot homemade soup—it will make your broth clumpy! Make sure you mix it into the cold half-and-half first before stirring it into the soup.

💭 Insider tips: things to know

  1. Spray the bottom of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before adding chicken so it doesn’t stick and burn.
  2. You can add uncooked chicken directly to the slow cooker or sear it on the stovetop over medium heat first. Searing the chicken first will improve the texture of the meat, but it isn’t a necessary step.
  3. Check chicken with an instant-read thermometer to make sure that the internal temperature of the meat is 165F. This means it's fully cooked.
  4. The easiest way to shred cooked chicken is on a cutting board with two forks. Some people use a handheld mixer, but I don't think it's necessary.
  5. Add a diced onion or one teaspoon of onion powder, a teaspoon of poultry seasoning, or ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg for more depth of flavor.
  6. You can make homemade Italian seasoning with dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, parsley, sage, savory, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

👩‍🍳 Let's answer those questions: FAQs

Have other questions? Ask me in the comments!

Can I use frozen spinach?

You can, but you’ll need to thaw and drain the excess liquid first. For the best results, stick with fresh spinach.

Can I freeze chicken gnocchi soup?

I don’t recommend it. Creamy soups like this one tend to split after freezing and thawing. The texture of the potato gnocchi will change, too.

A spoon of slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup hovered over a dinner bowl with more soup.

⏲️ Marye's time saving hacks -

Use rotisserie chicken and cook the soup on top of the stove. It'll be done in about 20 minutes!

📚 More Southern comfort: related recipes you'll love

  • Creamy Chicken Gnocchi is an easy recipe (and a one-pot meal) made with six simple ingredients that’s on the dinner table in just 30 minutes!
  • You can make Grilled Chicken Alfredo that beats Olive Garden's version with my easy, budget-friendly recipe—it's a staple in my house!
  • Overhead view of pozole in a white bowl.
    Crockpot Green Chicken Pozole (Pozole Verde)
  • Chicken noodle soup with carrots in a white bowl.
    Copycat Panera Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Closeup of a spoonful of creamy chicken noodle soup.
    Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Crockpot chicken corn chowder with a spoon in it.
    Crock Pot Chicken Corn Chowder

🍽️ Perfect pairings: what to serve with

Closeup of golden brown, buttery pieces of garlic bread on a white plate.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread is buttery and crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and cooks in 5 minutes!


Overhead view of a bowl of green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and red onions created for the feature image of this post.

Italian Green Bean Salad features tomatoes, baby potatoes, and red onion marinated in a zesty Italian dressing—a refreshing side dish for this rich ‘n creamy soup!


Old fashioned lemon meringue pie on white plate.

The buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and airy meringue of Old Fashioned Lemon Meringue Pie make it the perfect palate cleanser after a hearty meal.

📞 Wrapping it up: the last word

This is a breeze to make, thanks to your trusty slow cooker. No need to dress up and head out to the restaurant; you can whip up this belly-warming delight in your very own home. It's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table, making mealtime something to look forward to.

Y'all are gonna love it, I promise!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please comment below and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Overhead view of hands holding a bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup.

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
This slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup recipe's a real keeper, y'all – it's luxuriously creamy and packed with all those warm herbal flavors and hearty, tender bites of chicken that warm you to your soul.
Course Main Dish,Slow Cooker
Cuisine Italian American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours hours
Total Time: 8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings:8
Calories:335
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken breast, skinless boneless. Or thighs
  • 1 cups carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 5 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup half-and-half cream
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 pound potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

Instructions

  • Spray 6-quart slow cooker with no-stick cooking spray.
  • Place chicken breasts in the bottom.
  • Add carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, pepper, and salt.
  • Pour in the chicken stock, cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the chicken is tender and registers 165℉ with an instant-read thermometer.
  • Remove the chicken from the crockpot.
  • Mix the cornstarch and cream and stir it into the hot soup until completely mixed in.
  • Add the gnocchi.
  • Shred chicken with two forks and return to the slow cooker.
  • Replace the cover.
  • Turn the temperature to high and cook for 30 minutes, or until gnocchi is cooked through and soup has thickened slightly.
  • Stir in the spinach.
  • Taste, adjust seasonings, and serve.

Notes

Storage:
Let leftover chicken gnocchi soup come to room temperature then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.
I don’t recommend freezing this soup. Freezing and thawing can cause the creamy broth to separate and change the texture of the gnocchi.
Tips:
  • Never add cornstarch directly to hot homemade soup—it will make your broth clumpy! Make sure you mix it into the cold half-and-half first before stirring it into the soup.Spray the bottom of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before adding chicken so it doesn’t stick and burn.
  • Check chicken with an instant-read thermometer to make sure that the internal temperature of the meat is 165F.
  • You can make homemade Italian seasoning with dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, parsley, sage, savory, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 581mg | Potassium: 733mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3236IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

First published February 16, 2024 . Last updated October 8, 2024 for more tips and an easier to read format.

Overhead view of hands holding a bowl of creamy chicken gnocchi soup.

Don't lose this recipe!

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Pin to your favorite Pinterest board to keep it handy.

Pin it now →

More Cozy Crockpot Soups

  • Overhead view of ham and bean soup being ladled out of a crockpot.
    Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
  • Overhead view of chicken pot pie soup recipe with a sliced biscuit floating on top.
    Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
  • Chicken Fajita Soup in the Slow Cooker
  • Overhead view of a ladleful of beef and barley soup being removed from the crockpot.
    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

Love it? Share it!

561 shares
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard

About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




  1. Laurie L Kearnes says

    October 09, 2024 at 11:25 am

    This looks like it will be a favorite! What section of the grocery store do I find the gnocchi? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Marye says

      October 10, 2024 at 4:24 pm

      It's in the refrigerated section by the deli in my store.

      Reply
Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

Find out more

🍉 Summer Cookouts

  • Overhead view of potato salad in a glass bowl
    Mom's Homemade Potato Salad
  • Overhead view of the finished watermelon basket filled with an assortment of fruit.
    How to Make a Watermelon Basket
  • Closeup of a finished hamburger in a bun.
    Retro Lipton Onion Soup Burger (Vintage Recipe)
  • Closeup of a star shaped cake covered in white chocolate with red and blue sprinkles.
    Zebra Cake Recipe: Little Debbie Copycat

🫖 Picklefork Stories

Picklefork town crest.
Click here to visit Picklefork

👑 Reader Favorites

  • Square overhead of chicken for feature image.
    Crockpot Angel Chicken
  • Close up of the sauce showing the creamy texture.
    Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe
  • Wooden spatula removing fried potatoes out of iron skillet.
    Crispy Fried Potatoes in a Cast Iron Skillet (Southern Style)
  • Blue cocktail with a red and white straw.
    Sex in the Driveway Cocktail
  • A sliced loaf of english muffin bread.
    Easy English Muffin Bread – No Knead, Perfect for Toasting!
  • Two finished loaves of Amish white bread cooling on a table.
    No-Fail Amish White Bread

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Marye Audet-White
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Contact
MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

Featured In:

Places Restless Chipotle has been featured

We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright ©2006 - 2025 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC

Picklefork Tales Copyright ©2025 Marye Audet, Restless Chipotle Media

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.