.png){kind=avatar}
Looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make? My Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just the thing! You’ll love how tender chicken, fresh veggies, and fluffy gnocchi come together in one pot. This recipe is not only flavorful but also super simple to prepare. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps that will turn your dinner into a cozy delight.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is the perfect dish for chilly days. The combination of chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables creates a warm and filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is great for busy weeknights. Simply set it and forget it!
- Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Swap out the vegetables or use different herbs to suit your taste.
- Deliciously Creamy: The addition of heavy cream at the end gives the soup a rich and luxurious texture, making it feel indulgent without being overly complicated to make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
For this soup, I start with the heart of the dish: the chicken. I choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. They cook well and shred easily. I add olive oil to give a nice flavor to the soup. Next, I include diced onion and minced garlic for sweet and savory notes.
Carrots and celery bring color and crunch. They soften as they cook, adding depth to the soup. I pour in low-sodium chicken broth, which forms the base. Dried thyme and oregano give warmth and earthiness. I finish with salt and pepper to balance all the flavors perfectly.
Garnishes and Add-ins
– 2 cups baby spinach
– 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For garnishes and add-ins, I love to stir in baby spinach. It wilts nicely and adds nutrition. Gnocchi is the star here, providing a soft, chewy texture. I add heavy cream for richness, making the soup creamy and smooth. Finally, I sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Each ingredient plays a role in creating a warm, satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Ingredients
To start, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add one medium onion, diced. Sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about five minutes. Next, stir in three cloves of minced garlic. Cook this mixture for one more minute until it smells really nice.
Now, layer the cooked onion and garlic into your slow cooker. On top of that, add three sliced carrots and three sliced celery stalks. Finally, place one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts right on top. Pour in four cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle in one teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Process
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for six to seven hours, or on high for three to four hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender. When your timer goes off, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks. This will make it easy to mix back into the soup.
Now, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in one package of gnocchi. Let everything cook on high for an additional thirty minutes. This allows the gnocchi to become tender and fluffy.
Final Touches
When the gnocchi are ready, reduce the heat to low. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and two cups of baby spinach. Cook this for five more minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
Serve your soup hot, and for a nice touch, garnish it with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your cozy bowl of chicken gnocchi soup!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and oregano can elevate the flavor of your soup significantly compared to dried herbs. If available, use them for a more vibrant taste.
- Shredding Chicken: For easier shredding, let the chicken cool for a few minutes after removing it from the slow cooker. This prevents burns and makes it easier to handle.
- Gnocchi Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the gnocchi as they cook; they should only take about 30 minutes to become tender. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
- Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a similar consistency with fewer calories.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Soup
To get the best soup, adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker. If you are short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. For a richer flavor, cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
You can swap the chicken for turkey or tofu for a different taste. If you want a lighter soup, use low-fat cream or milk. Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A side of garlic bread adds a nice touch, too.
For garnishes, fresh parsley brightens the dish. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. A squeeze of lemon adds freshness that balances the creaminess.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the chicken in this soup. Try using ground turkey or shredded tofu. These swaps keep the dish hearty and tasty. Each protein gives a new twist.
You can also switch up the veggies. Instead of carrots and celery, add peas, corn, or even zucchini. These choices bring fresh flavors and colors. You can use any veggies you love.
Flavor Enhancements
To give the soup more taste, add spices or herbs. A pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes adds warmth. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can lift the flavor too.
If you want a creamier soup, turn it into a chowder. Add more cream and some diced potatoes. This makes the soup rich and filling. You can tailor it to your taste. Enjoy the fun of creating your own version!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. Place the soup in an airtight container. When you want to reheat, pour it into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often until it is hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months.
To thaw, move the soup from the freezer to the fridge for a night. When ready to reheat, warm it on the stove or microwave. Stir in a bit of extra broth if it seems thick. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of soup!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add them to the slow cooker around 30 minutes before serving. This way, they will cook perfectly.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi. You can find these at most grocery stores. Also, check the chicken broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Meal Prep Questions
Can I prepare ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. You can even season the chicken and store it in a bag. This saves time on busy days.
How to adjust the recipe for larger servings?
To make more soup, simply double the ingredients. Use a larger slow cooker if you have one. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
This blog post covered a comforting soup made with chicken, veggies, and gnocchi. We discussed the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to make it perfect. You learned about variations, storage, and how to adapt the recipe.
This dish is not just tasty; it’s flexible for many diets. Enjoy cooking this soup, and experiment with your favorite add-ins. With practice, you’ll make a meal everyone will love. Your kitchen will become a place of warmth and joy.
