Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Dinnertime often feels like a race against the clock. That’s why I focus on easy family meals like this creamy chicken gnocchi soup. It’s a simple, hearty homemade meal that cooks up in the slow cooker like our other favorite crock pot soup recipes.

When the weather turns chilly and comfort food beckons, there’s no dish quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of chicken soup. But traditional chicken soup gets repetitive (just ask my teens), so I’m always on the lookout for interesting variations. This slow cooker chicken soup with gnocchi is a fabulous version!

This recipe for chicken soup with gnocchi is adaptable, too. While traditional gnocchi is not gluten-free, there are gluten-free alternatives available, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this delicious Italian dish.

This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What is gnocchi?

If you’re not already acquainted with the delightful world of Italian cuisine, you might be wondering, “What exactly is gnocchi?” Gnocchi, pronounced “nyo-kee,” is a beloved Italian potato pasta that’s quite distinct from your traditional pasta shapes like spaghetti or penne.

These small, pillowy dumplings are typically made from a combination of potatoes or ricotta cheese, flour, and egg, resulting in a soft and delicate texture. Gnocchi can be found in various shapes and sizes, but the most common are small, oval dumplings.

The beauty of gnocchi lies in its ability to soak up the flavors of the sauces and broths it’s cooked in, making it a fantastic addition to soups like this heartwarming chicken gnocchi soup.

Is gnocchi gluten-free?

Traditional gnocchi, made with the classic recipe that includes potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs, is not gluten-free. The flour used in traditional gnocchi is typically wheat flour, which contains gluten.

However, if you or someone you’re cooking for requires a gluten-free diet, you can find or make gluten-free gnocchi using alternative flours, such as rice flour, cornflour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

There are also pre-packaged gluten-free gnocchi available in many grocery stores and online. When making or purchasing gluten-free gnocchi, be sure to check the ingredient list to confirm that no wheat or wheat-derived ingredients are used.

Ingredients for chicken soup with gnocchi

• boneless skinless chicken breasts
• carrots
• celery
• minced garlic
• salt and pepper
• chicken broth
• packaged gnocchi
• flour
• heavy whipping cream
• fresh spinach

See the printable recipe below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.

If you are a fan of creamy chicken dishes, try this stovetop recipe for Chicken Fricassee in Creamy Sauce.

Instructions for slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup

Peel and shred carrots, then rinse and chop celery.

Add chicken, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Pour seasonings on top of the chicken, then add chicken broth. 

Cook on High for 3 hours.

Remove the chicken from the crock, and shred it. Return chicken to crock pot.

Add the gnocchi, flour, and heavy cream to the crockpot. Cook for an additional 20 minutes.

Add the spinach, cook for 5 minutes, then serve.

How to store chicken soup with gnocchi?

If you have leftover creamy chicken gnocchi soup (we never do!), it can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 2-3 days, but it does kinda fall apart. My big kids tend to eat it the next day for lunch in their Thermos funtainers.

Unfortunately, the combination of delicate gnocchi and dairy means you cannot freeze this soup for storage and reheating.

Can this be made on the stovetop instead?

It can! I prefer using the slow cooker so I can walk away from it. But you can also use the stovetop.

You will need to cook and shred the chicken beforehand (or use leftover chicken or shred a rotisseries chicken). Then add the chicken, carrots, celery, seasonings, and chicken broth to a large pot. Cook on medium until celery is tender.

Before serving, cook gnocchi according to package directions, then add gnocchi, heavy cream, and flour. Heat for an additional 20 minutes, then add the spinach, and cook for a few minutes until it wilts.

More chicken soup recipes

Whether you like making chicken soup on the stovetop, in the pressure cooker or in the slow cooker, we have many easy recipes with different flavor variations. Give them a try!

• Chicken Soup with Potato Recipe
• Ginger Chicken Soup Recipe
• Tuscan Chicken Soup in the Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup