• Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact & Work With Me
  • Press
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

No Spoon Necessary

Seasonal Recipes & Unique Twists on Classic Dishes

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Published February 10, 2019. Last Updated January 21, 2020 by Cheyanne

Jump to Recipe  ↓ Print Recipe  ❒

2855shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

This Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is easy to make thanks to the crockpot! Plus, it’s rich and hearty without any heavy cream! Packed with white beans and vegetables, this soup is comforting, yet healthy and the perfect dinner any day of the week! Overhead shot of two bowls filled with Tuscan Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a blue colored surface surrounded by water glasses, fresh parsley, slices of bread, a green linen and two spoons.

*Updated*

This post was originally published in February 2018. I’ve updated the post below to include more information about this gnocchi soup. Plus, I added a recipe video to show you how easy this chicken gnocchi soup recipe is to make! 

Hi there, friends!

Happy last Thursday of February!

I feel like I say this all the time, but obviously I like to repeat myself… can you BELIEVE how quickly time flies by?

I mean, we are only a little over 3 weeks away from the first day of spring!! Please tell me I’m not the only one flabbergasted over the fact that time is so fleeting?!

Anyways, with that said, we must eat ALL the soups till we can’t eat no mo’.

Because before we know it, it will be summer and outside will be hotter than a firecracker on the fourth of July. 45 degree angle shot of a bowl filled with Tuscan Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a neutral plate with a green linen and slice of bread in front of the bowl and a water glass, small piece of parmesan and an additional bowl of soup blurred in the background.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

  • Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
    • What is gnocchi?
      • How to pronounce gnocchi?
      • Where is gnocchi found in the grocery store?
    • How to make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the slow cooker? (Tips & Tricks):
      • What to serve with gnocchi soup?
      • How long is chicken gnocchi soup good for?
      • Can chicken gnocchi soup be frozen?
    • Crockpot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
      • Ingredients
        • For serving: Crusty Bread, Fresh Parsley or Basil
      • Instructions
      • Video
      • Notes
      • Nutrition
      • You Might Also Like…

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Silky smooth based soup loaded with tender chunks of chicken breast, pillow-y soft gnocchi, and fresh spinach; studded with crunchy carrots, mellow onions, diced tomatoes, buttery white beans and herbaceous Italian seasonings.

This soup is creamy-dreamy, hearty and comforting, yet light and fresh.

And aside from being SOUP-ERB in the taste department, it’s also an absolute BREEZE to throw together thanks to your trusty crockpot or slow cooker.

Basically, this Tuscan chicken and gnocchi soup wonder is a weeknight dinner winner! (<– It’s also a weekend winner if you are looking to spend time with your loved ones and NOT with your kitchen.)

What is gnocchi?

Gnocchi are soft dough dumplings made from potatoes, flour and egg yolks. The dough is (most often) rolled out, then cut into small pieces and pressed with a fork to make tiny ridges.

I used mini gnocchi in this slow cooker creamy soup recipe, because they are more bite size and suited for soup. You should be able to find mini potato gnocchi in the pasta isle of most major grocery stores. However, if you cannot, feel free to substitute regular sized gnocchi!

How to pronounce gnocchi?

You pronounce gnocchi as N(Y)OK-ee or NOH-Kee. While the origin for the word is unknown, it is speculated to have come from the Italian word nocca, meaning knuckle.

Where is gnocchi found in the grocery store?

You can find gnocchi in most major, or specialty grocery stores. Gnocchi is usually located in the pasta aisle, near the spaghetti and noodles, but can also be found fresh in the refrigerated section, or frozen in the freezer food section near the frozen ravioli.

You can use any type of gnocchi in this creamy gnocchi soup, but I typically use dried or fresh. If you are using frozen gnocchi, make sure you do not thaw them first. 45 degree, up-close shot of a bowl filled with Tuscan Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a spoon inserted into the soup.

How to make Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the slow cooker? (Tips & Tricks):

  1. You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts if desired. Just make sure you cut the chicken into bite sized cubes, regardless of what cut of chicken you use.
  2. You can either use chicken broth or chicken stock in this recipe. I used chicken broth since the recipe also calls for evaporated milk, and I felt the milk gave the soup plenty of rich mouthfeel.
  3. While the recipe calls for evaporated milk to save a few calories, you can absolutely substitute half-and-half or heavy cream if you are looking for an even richer soup.
  4. If spinach isn’t your thing, kale is a delicious substitution.
  5. While this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup reheats well, the gnocchi will soak up a good amount of the liquid during storage. Therefore you may need to add more evaporated milk (or half-and-half or heavy cream depending on what you used in the soup) when reheating. The amount of liquid you add will depend entirely on how much soup you are reheating and how “soupy” of a consistency you are looking for.

What to serve with gnocchi soup?

This creamy chicken gnocchi soup is packed with protein, veggies and carbs, and eats like a complete meal.
However, if you are looking for a few sides to serve with this crockpot soup, below are some delicious options!
  • Spinach salad
  • Crusty bread or breadsticks
  • Roasted seasonal vegetables

How long is chicken gnocchi soup good for?

Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, creamy gnocchi soup will keep for up to 3 to 4 days.

Can chicken gnocchi soup be frozen?

Chicken and gnocchi soup can be frozen. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe zip-closure bag or air-tight container. Properly stored, Tuscan gnocchi soup will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat creamy gnocchi soup, allow it to defrost overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat over low heat, stirring frequently. Make sure you avoid boiling the soup. Since the soup will become thicker during storage, you can add a little half-and-half while reheating to reach desired consistency. Overhead shot of a bowl of Tuscan Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a hand cradling the bowl and another hand holding a spoon and inserting it into the soup; with fresh parsley, a torn slice of bread and a water glass in the upper corners of the shot.

Hearty, yet made without any heavy cream and with the convenience of the crockpot, this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a weeknight dinner winner!

Until next week friends, cheers – to skinnier soup for the soul!

XOXO

Cheyanne

 

Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!

 

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe plus step-by-step video👇

Overhead shot of a bowl filled with Tuscan Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a blue colored surface surrounded by another bowl of soup, water glasses, fresh parsley, slices of bread, a green linen and two spoons.
Print Recipe
4.56 from 9 votes

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is rich and hearty without any heavy cream! Made with the convenience of the slow cooker, and packed with white beans and vegetables, this soup is cozy, yet healthy and the perfect dinner any day of the week!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hrs 10 mins
Total Time2 hrs 25 mins
Course: entree, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: chicken, chicken pasta, creamy, Crock pot, crockpot, gnocchi, Healthy, Slow Cooker, Tuscan, vegetables, white beans
Servings: 8
Calories: 290kcal
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – cut into 1’’ cubes*
  • 1 small Yellow Onion – peeled & diced
  • 2 Carrots - peeled & diced (about 1 1/3 cup)
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic – minced
  • 1 Parmesan Rind (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes
  • 4 Cups Chicken Broth (can substitute Stock)*
  • 1 TBS Italian Seasoning
  • 2 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (depending how spicy you want it)
  • 1 ½ tsp Kosher Salt
  • ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 (12 ounce) cans Evaporated Milk
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can White Beans – drained and rinsed
  • ¼ Cup Cornstarch – dissolved in 2 TBS of Water
  • 1 (16 ounce) package Mini Potato Gnocchi
  • 4 ounces Fresh Baby Spinach - stemmed (about 3 cups, packed)
  • ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese – freshly grated, or more to taste

For serving: Crusty Bread, Fresh Parsley or Basil

    Instructions

    • Place the chicken, onion, carrots, garlic, parmesan rind (if using), tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper into the bowl a slow cooker or crockpot and stir to combine*. 
    • Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 ½ - 2 ½ hours or LOW for 3 ½ - 4 ½ hours. (The chicken will continue to cooking in the next steps.)
    • Add the evaporated milk, white beans and cornstarch (dissolved in water) to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.  Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes, or until the soup is slightly thickened.
    • Add in the gnocchi and continue to cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the spinach, cover the slow cooker and cook until spinach is wilted, about 5-10 minutes.
    • Taste and adjust the soup for seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately topped with fresh parmesan and optional garnishes if using. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    1. You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts if desired.  Just make sure you cut the chicken into bite sized cubes, regardless of what cut of chicken you use.
    2. You can either use chicken broth or chicken stock in this recipe.  I used chicken broth since the recipe also calls for evaporated milk, and I felt the milk gave the soup plenty of rich mouthfeel.
    3. While the recipe calls for evaporated milk to save a few calories, you can absolutely substitute half-and-half or heavy cream if you are looking for an even richer soup.
    4. If spinach isn’t your thing, kale is a delicious substitution.   
    5. While this soup reheats well, the gnocchi will soak up a good amount of the liquid during storage.  Therefore you may need to add more evaporated milk (or half-and-half or heavy cream depending on what you used in the soup) when reheating.  The amount of liquid you add will depend entirely on how much soup you are reheating and how “soupy” of a consistency you are looking for.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 1243mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3470IU | Vitamin C: 14.5mg | Calcium: 274mg | Iron: 3.1mg

    ©No Spoon Necessary.  All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use any images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe please do not list instructions, instead link directly back to this post.

    2855shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    You Might Also Like...

    • Overhead shot of Slow Cooker Thai Style Chicken Noodle Soup in a white bowl garnished with cilantro, lime wedges and sliced red chilies on a wood table with crushed peanuts, lime wedges. spoons, and a pale purple linen surrounding the bowl
      Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
    • Overhead landscape shot of Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Quinoa Bowls with black chop sticks on a silver board with a neutral linen and bowl of sliced scallions.
      Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Quinoa Bowls
    • Easy Chicken & Black Bean Soup [One Pot]
    • Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Tacos {with Bean Sprout Slaw & Peanut Sauce}

    Stay up to date

    Subscribe to receive FREE New Recipe Updates:

    « Winter Citrus Salad Recipe
    Oven Caramelized Onions Recipe »

    Comments

    1. Tara Hopkins says

      December 28, 2019 at 7:11 pm

      Is there a stovetop recipe?

      Reply
      • Cheyanne says

        December 28, 2019 at 8:58 pm

        Hi Tara,
        I have only developed and tested the recipe as written. However, I’m sure the recipe can be modified to work on the stovetop. If you get a chance to try it, please let me know how it turns out!
        Cheers and warm wishes for a happy New Year!

        Reply
    2. Kelly | Foodtasia says

      February 12, 2019 at 6:29 am

      5 stars
      What a cozy, comforting soup! Love the flavors and love, love, love the gnocchi in it! I was just thinking today of how much I like Tuscan Chicken and wouldn’t that be good as a soup – and voilà! – it’s even lovelier than my imagination!

      Reply
    3. Jean Zabielski says

      January 8, 2019 at 10:57 pm

      I would like to take this to a potluck at work, but make it the night before and store in the fridge. Would it be best then, to wait til the day of the potluck to add the gnocchi and the spinach after first warming up the main part of the soup at work? Or could I just do it all at home and then reheat it in the crockpot at work the next day, but bring along more evaporated milk in case it’s too thick?

      Reply
      • Cheyanne Bany says

        January 9, 2019 at 7:38 pm

        Hi Jean,
        I would definitely wait to add the gnocchi and spinach. If you make it fully according to the recipe and then reheat it (with the gnocchi and spinach already added), the gnocchi will disintegrate and the spinach will be entirely overcooked and taste bitter. I hope that answers your question!! Let me know if you have any others. Cheers!

        Reply
    4. Jamie says

      October 23, 2018 at 3:24 pm

      So do you cook the chicken for 2 hours first then add everything else? I’m just not fallowing the recipe no matter how many times i read it. Also, what do you mean when you say put the chicken through the black pepper?

      Reply
      • Cheyanne Bany says

        October 23, 2018 at 4:53 pm

        Hi Jamie,
        Step 1 – “Place the chicken through ground black pepper” means place all the ingredients in the ingredient list from chicken through black pepper into the slow cooker. In other words, place the chicken, onion, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, broth and seasonings into the slow cooker.

        Hopefully that answers both of your questions! Let me know if you need further clarification or if you have any additional questions. I’m always here to help. Cheers!

        Reply
    5. April says

      October 14, 2018 at 10:14 am

      When do u add chicken broth, carrots, onions, and all the seasonings

      Reply
      • Cheyanne Bany says

        October 14, 2018 at 10:53 am

        Hi April,
        All ingredients are listed in order of use. You add the broth, etc in the first step – “Place the chicken through pepper in a slow cooker or crockpot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 ½ – 2 ½ hours or LOW for 3 ½ – 4 ½ hours.” Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m always here to help. Cheers!

        Reply
        • April says

          October 15, 2018 at 11:28 am

          Ok ty

          Reply
    6. marcie says

      February 28, 2018 at 1:39 pm

      I LOVE gnocchi but can you believe that I’ve never had it in soup? I need to change that and I love that you can whip this up easily in the slow cooker!

      Reply
    7. Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says

      February 25, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      I have yet to get a slow cooker (and I’m behind on the instapot craze as well) but I’m such a soup fan that I think I need to make the leap and get one. Love that you’re using gnocchi in this – they are such delicious little dumplings! Hope you’re having a great weekend, Cheyanne!

      Reply
    8. Danielle Wolter says

      February 24, 2018 at 11:35 am

      5 stars
      OMG gnocchi soup! Gnocchi are one of my favorite things to order at an Italian restaurant. I LOVE them. I never thought of putting them in soup. And I’d like to say I’ll use the evaporated milk, but I’ll probably use cream. I’m just a sucker for a rich creamy soup I guess. I’ll eat healthy another day! I feel like it’s only hot here in CA now, so I;m just going to eat soup all year round.

      Reply
    9. Kevin O'Leary says

      February 23, 2018 at 12:23 pm

      I love slow cooker soups, and this one looks scrumptious! Perfect. 🙂

      Reply
    10. [email protected] says

      February 23, 2018 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      Well that’s a pretty bowl of soup! You had me at Tuscan!! It’s drizzly and cold here, today, so this will be perfect! Cheers to a lovely weekend, my friend! xo

      Reply
    11. Ben|Havocinthekitchen says

      February 22, 2018 at 9:49 pm

      5 stars
      Say what? Gnocchi soup?! Ouch, sorry for being rude. Hi Chey. You’re so right about time flying. And although I’m so ready for spring, I’m enjoying comfort meals as much as possible as spring and summer are reserved for salads. Now let’s talk about important matters. Gnocchi soup? I know tortellini soup (Which I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never made), but gnocchi soup is a new level to me. Sounds and looks fantastic!

      Reply
    12. Marissa says

      February 22, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      I am with you on eating as much soup as possible before spring hits! It snowed here today, so yeah! for soup weather!!

      Love the flavors going on here and that dreamy creamy texture! + Gnocchi for the win!

      Reply
    13. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

      February 22, 2018 at 10:48 am

      5 stars
      That is just the most perfect bowl of soup! Love everything about it and especially the slow cooker part. Set it and forget it. Then enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
    14. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says

      February 22, 2018 at 10:42 am

      Girl, I’m totally with you. WHERE is time going? I know it’s supposed to move faster as you get older but I also know I’m not old enough yet for time to be moving so fast. Or I like to think I’m not old enough for that anyway. But this soup looks delicious! And comforting for those moments after I look in the mirror and realize my crow’s feet have crow’s feet and maybe I’m older than I think 🙂

      Reply
    15. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      February 22, 2018 at 8:18 am

      5 stars
      I agree that time is flying Chey, but I can’t wait til it’s as hot as a firecracker on the 4th of July!! You know I LOVE summer! And I love this soup, and that it’s for the slow cooker. I love the addition of the evaporated milk instead of the heavy cream too. This is one hearty soup that’s perfect for these remaining days of winter! Happy weekend!

      Reply
    16. [email protected]'s Recipes says

      February 22, 2018 at 4:17 am

      This looks super comforting and delicious! Have never thought of using slow cooker to make gnocchi soup…a brilliant idea!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    About me

    Welcome to No Spoon Necessary! My name is Cheyanne - I am the blogger and girl behind the camera. I'm a culinary school graduate with a degree in culinary arts, and I have years of experience in a professional kitchen. I have a passion for seasonal ingredients and I believe anyone can create sensational food! Thank you for stopping by! I hope you stay awhile!

    Stay up to date

    Subscribe to receive FREE New Recipe Updates:

    Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Search For Recipes:

    What’s in Season Now – Pumpkin

    Overhead, landscape photo of a bowl of Cheddar Cheese Apple Soup garnished with pumpkin seeds and crispy bacon with a blue linen, spoons and orange flowers in a vase surrounding the bowl.

    The Best Cheddar Apple Soup

    Overhead landscape photo of Pumpkin French Toast Casserole in a white baking dish with a neutral colored napkin, spoons and ramekin of maple syrup next to the dish.

    Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

    Overhead landscape photo of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins in a muffin pan with roughly chopped dark chocolate and cinnamon sugar strewn on top of the pan.

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Overhead, landscape photo of Pumpkin Pie Cake topped with swirled maple cream cheese frosting on a wire rack with a ramekin of pumpkin pie spice and a neutral linen next to the cake.

    Easy Pumpkin Pie Cake

    More Pumpkin Recipes

    Comfort Food

    Overhead landscape photo of a spread out stack of soft and chewy almond sugar cookies on a white wood surface - the bottom cookies are plain while the cookies on top of the stack are covered with a cookie icing and decorative sliced almonds.

    Soft Almond Sugar Cookies (Easy Drop-Style!)

    Overhead, landscape photo of Baked Camembert Cheese topped with burst Cranberries; with crackers and red grapes next to the cheese.

    Easy Baked Camembert Recipe

    Eye of Round Roast Beef

    Overhead photo of Creamed Spinach Casserole in an oval baking pan with two serving spoons tucked into the casserole exposing the creamy spinach interior; with two wine glasses and a ramekin of chopped parsley next to the dish.

    Easy Creamed Spinach Casserole Recipe

    See more Comfort Food

    No Spoon Necessary As Seen In

    Get the Latest Recipes Straight to your Inbox

    Copyright © 2021 | Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in