Description
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich, hearty, and surprisingly cream-free. Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach, it’s a comforting meal ideal for chilly days. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a cozy soup that’s perfect for pairing with a crusty bread and a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
- 450 g boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
- 480 ml mirepoix (chopped onions, celery, and carrots) (2 cups)
- 1–2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 950 ml chicken broth (4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- Two 355 ml cans evaporated milk (two 12 oz cans)
- Two 450 g packages gnocchi (about 4 cups)
- 6 slices bacon
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 120 g fresh baby spinach (2 cups)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts, mirepoix, dried basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and chicken broth into a crockpot or slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and evaporated milk, then stir to combine.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cover again. Cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the soup thickens and the gnocchi become tender.
- Meanwhile, cut the bacon into small pieces and fry in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Wipe out most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving a little for flavor.
- Saute the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted, then remove from the heat.
- Stir the cooked bacon and spinach mixture into the crockpot.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add up to 240 ml (1 cup) of water.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
Add water as needed if the soup becomes too thick.
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a brighter flavor.
Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 55 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
