Chicken gnocchi soup is the kind of meal that practically hugs you back. First, let me confess: my first attempt at this recipe was a bit of a comedy show—think flour clouds and gnocchi hopping out of the pot like little daredevils. However, nothing could stop me from chasing that creamy, cozy flavor I remembered from Gnocchi Olive Garden visits.
So, if you’re dreaming of a comforting bowl of chicken gnocchi soup after a long day, you’re in the right place. My kitchen is rarely picture-perfect, but this soup always manages to turn out like a hug in a bowl. Also, it’s an easy win for those nights when you want something homemade, but the couch is calling your name louder than the stove.
My Kitchen Story
First, let me say that my slow cooker has saved dinner more times than I can count. When I set out to make chicken gnocchi soup, I wanted that same creamy magic as Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup . However, I didn’t want to babysit a pot all evening. So, I tossed everything into my trusty crockpot and crossed my fingers. Sometimes, I get distracted—once, I left the spinach out until the very end, but it wilted perfectly anyway. That’s the beauty of slow cooker recipes: even a forgetful chef can pull off something dreamy.
Also, I love how this recipe fits perfectly into the rhythm of busy days. While the soup simmers, I can catch up on emails, help with homework, or—let’s be honest—scroll Instagram for more Olive Garden Dinner Recipes . If you’re a fan of hands-off meals, you might also love my Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe For Tender And Flavorful Dinner and the Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot. Each one brings a little extra comfort to weeknights.
What Makes It Stand Out
Then, let’s talk about why this chicken gnocchi soup stands out. The gnocchi goes straight into the slow cooker, soaking up all that creamy broth while staying pillowy and soft. Also, the mix of Italian seasoning and a dash of balsamic vinegar gives every spoonful a zingy, herby kick you won’t soon forget. Finally, you can tweak it to match your mood—throw in extra spinach, or use rotisserie chicken for even more convenience. If you ever wondered How To Make Gnocchi Soup , this is the fuss-free, flavor-packed answer you’ve been looking for.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 small |
| Celery, sliced | 1 cup |
| Matchstick carrots | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 6 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Rubbed sage | 1/2 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 1/2 cups |
| Potato gnocchi | 1 pound |
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | 2 cups |
| Fresh spinach, chopped | 1 1/2 cups |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | |
| Fresh cracked pepper |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
For this chicken gnocchi soup, a sturdy Dutch oven or stockpot is your go-to vessel. I love how a big pot lets everything simmer and meld together—especially when you want that cozy Soup Olive Garden vibe at home. If you’re aiming to make Olive Garden Potato Gnocchi Soup just like the restaurant, don’t stress about special gadgets. A simple ladle and a wooden spoon do wonders here.
Sometimes readers ask how to make Gnocchi Olive Garden style soup in a slow cooker. Honestly, you totally can! Just sauté your veggies first, then transfer everything to your Crockpot for a gentle, hands-off simmer. For more slow-cooked ideas, I’ve loved the flavors in this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe and the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe—both are great for busy nights.
As you gather your ingredients, remember food safety matters, especially with chicken. I always check safe minimum cooking temps using resources like foodsafety.gov. It’s a small step, but it keeps your kitchen happy and healthy!
Step-by-step method for a Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
Step 1
First, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then, add the diced onion, sliced celery, and matchstick carrots. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables soften, about 8 minutes. Transfer this mixture into your crockpot.
Step 2
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, rubbed sage, and a little extra salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Pour in a small amount of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, then add everything to the crockpot.
Step 3
Then, add the remaining chicken broth, heavy cream, shredded rotisserie chicken, and potato gnocchi to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the gnocchi is tender and the soup is heated through. Finally, stir in the fresh spinach and balsamic vinegar just before serving, allowing the spinach to wilt. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips and tricks to make this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe shine
For a rich and comforting chicken gnocchi soup, patience is key. Slow cooking lets flavors meld beautifully without extra effort. Also, adding the spinach at the end preserves its bright color and fresh taste. If you want to try a similar creamy chicken dish, check out the One Pot Merry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy Dinner Recipe Easy And Delicious for inspiration. Moreover, for a tangy twist on chicken dishes, the Pan Fried Chicken Piccata Meatballs With Lemon And Capers Recipe is a delightful choice. Remember, using shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and keeps the soup hearty. This approach fits perfectly with crockpot recipes gnocchi lovers will appreciate. Enjoy your cozy meal!
What to serve with this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
This chicken gnocchi soup pairs beautifully with hearty sides that complement its creamy texture. Consider serving it alongside Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Baked Recipes for a festive touch. Also, a fresh flatbread adds a satisfying crunch; try the delicious Baked Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza Recipe Easy And Delicious to round out your meal.
How to store and reheat
Thanks to the Crockpot / Slow Cooker method, this soup develops rich flavors that hold up well when stored. After cooling, transfer the soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker to maintain that comforting consistency without breaking down the gnocchi. This method ensures each spoonful tastes just as good the next day.
FAQ
Can I make chicken gnocchi soup without a Crockpot?
Yes, you can prepare this soup on the stovetop by simmering ingredients gently until the gnocchi are tender. However, the slow cooker helps meld flavors beautifully over time.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Potato gnocchi are traditional and work well in this soup, offering a soft texture that soaks up the broth nicely.
Can I freeze chicken gnocchi soup?
Freezing is possible but not ideal since gnocchi can become mushy. If you freeze, consider adding fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based protein or extra veggies for heartiness.
How long does it take to cook in a Crockpot?
Typically, cooking on low for 4-6 hours yields tender chicken and perfectly cooked gnocchi.
Print
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
A creamy and hearty soup with tender shredded chicken, potato gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Italian herbs.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup matchstick carrots
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 pound potato gnocchi
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, sliced celery, matchstick carrots, salt, and pepper; cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, rubbed sage, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
5. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
6. Add remaining chicken broth and heavy cream with salt and pepper; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
7. Add potato gnocchi and shredded chicken.
8. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until gnocchi is cooked through.
9. Stir in fresh spinach and balsamic vinegar; mix until spinach wilts.
10. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to avoid breaking the gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Thanks for stopping by and sharing some time in the kitchen with me. This chicken gnocchi soup recipe is a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a warm hug in a bowl. Don’t forget to check out some other favorites like Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls Baked Recipes or the flavorful Baked Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza Recipe Easy And Delicious to keep your meals exciting. If you love collecting recipes and kitchen ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration. Happy cooking and see you next time!