• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home About Contact

The Cooking Jar

Cooking made easy

  • Recipe Index
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Casseroles
    • Dips and Sauces
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick and Easy
    • Sides and Salads
    • Soups and Stews
  • Ingredient
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pasta
    • Seafood
  • Method
    • Air Fryer
    • Oven
    • Sheet Pan
    • Slow Cooker
    • Stovetop
Home About Contact
  • Appetizers
  • Breakfast
  • Casseroles
  • Dips
  • Main Dishes
  • Quick and Easy
  • Sides
  • Soups
Home » Ingredient » Chicken

Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Published: December 19, 2021   |   Updated: February 20, 2023   |   12 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

Pin3K
Share
Reddit
Email
3K Shares

This copycat Olive Garden creamy slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup with perfectly seasoned chicken and pillowy-soft potato gnocchi is pure comfort food. Serve with some crusty bread to keep warm on a cold day.

A bowl of slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup topped with cracked black pepper.

Today we’re making a cozy slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup inspired by the famous classic from Olive Garden. It’s packed with tender veggies, flavorful chicken and soft, airy potato dumplings in a velvety cream-based soup to give you a warm bowl of goodness.

Like most slow cooker soups, this gives you the flavor of all-day simmering without the hassle of standing over the stovetop for hours. So if you enjoy slow cooker soups, try this slow cooker creamy tortellini soup, beef stew, white chicken chili, pasta e Fagioli, or cream cheese and potato soup. But back to the recipe, let’s start simmering.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (1 Min Video)

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients to make slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup in prep bowls.

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is an Italian potato dumpling that’s soft, light and airy. You can make it yourself with some mashed potatoes, eggs and flour or buy them from the store.

A bowl of slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup with bread.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP RECIPE TIPS

Sauteing – Saute the onions, garlic celery and carrots before adding them to the slow cooker for more flavor. Some slow cookers allow you to do this directly in the insert such as this one from Hamilton Beach.

Nutmeg – Nutmeg is a fantastic way to enhance the creaminess in the soup and give it a little warmth. A little goes a long way so a few dashes are enough.

A bowl of slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup topped with cracked black pepper.

Shredding chicken – I like shredding on a cutting board because it’s easier and some slow cookers also have non-stick liners which will scratch if you do it directly in the slow cooker. If your insert can handle it, feel free to shred it directly in the slow cooker. You can also cut the chicken up into bite-sized pieces for a cleaner look.

Gnocchi – These are fluffy, potato dumplings and don’t need to cook too long so add them towards the end of cooking. Once the gnocchi is fully cooked, it will float to the surface.

Lightening it up – You can substitute heavy cream with half and half or evaporated milk for a lighter, healthier soup. Pour it in towards the end of cooking with the gnocchi so it doesn’t curdle.

A bowl of slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup topped with cracked black pepper.

Thickening the soup – You can thicken the soup by making a cornstarch slurry with one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water. If the consistency isn’t thick enough for you even after adding the slurry, increase in small increments until it’s the consistency you like.

Stovetop directions – Saute onions, garlic, celery and carrots in a Dutch oven. Cube chicken and sear until cooked. Pour in chicken broth, seasonings and gnocchi and simmer for 10 minutes until gnocchi is cooked. Add heavy cream and spinach and simmer until the soup has thickened. Do a taste test and season as needed.

Leftover celery and carrots – If you need ideas on how to use the leftover celery and carrots, try using them to make this slow cooker spaghetti Bolognese, skillet chicken pot pie, or this chicken noodle soup.

And that’s about it. Let me know how you enjoyed the soup, what substitutions you made or what you paired it with in the comments below.

MORE SLOW COOKER SOUPS AND STEWS TO TRY

  • Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
  • Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli
  • Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
  • Slow Cooker Cream Cheese and Potato Soup

Did you make this recipe? Rate it!

♡ If you liked this recipe, giving it a star rating ★★★★★ in the comments below really helps! For more recipes, subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and  Pinterest.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A bowl of slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup topped with cracked black pepper.

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup


★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

  • Author: The Cooking Jar
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This copycat Olive Garden creamy slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup with perfectly seasoned chicken and pillowy potato gnocchi is pure comfort food.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1–1.5 lb.)
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (16 oz.) package potato gnocchi
  • 3 oz. fresh baby spinach, tightly packed (about 3 cups)

Instructions

  1. Place chicken in a 6 qt. slow cooker and top with onions, garlic, celery and carrots.
  2. Season with basil, Italian seasoning, ground nutmeg, bay leaf and salt and pepper.
  3. Pour chicken broth over the chicken and veggies.
  4. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
  5. Remove chicken to a cutting board and chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard bay leaf. Add the chicken back to the slow cooker.
  6. Pour in heavy cream, add gnocchi and cook on high for 30-45 minutes or until the gnocchi is tender and the soup has thickened.
  7. Toss in spinach, cover and let it sit in the residual heat until the spinach has wilted into the soup.
  8. Adjust seasonings to taste and dish and serve hot.
  9. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a cornstarch slurry. Add it in with the gnocchi towards the end before cooking on high.
  • Scroll up to RECIPE TIPS for more useful tips, suggestions and ingredient substitutions.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 8 hours

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or share a photo of the recipe on Instagram by tagging @cookingjar

posted in: Chicken, Popular Recipes, Slow Cooker, Soups and Stews

Previous
Slow Cooker Three Packet Roast
Next
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Share your thoughts and rate the recipe!
    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

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

    Comments & Reviews

  1. Angela says

    February 17, 2023

    i want to make this! but my crockpot is only 4.5qt, should i half the recipe?

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      February 18, 2023

      You got it right, just split the ingredients in half. The cooking time will remain the same. Good luck and enjoy the food!

      Reply
  2. Nikki says

    February 3, 2023

    Can you substitute the heavy cream for something dairy free? If so, what would you suggest.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      February 5, 2023

      I haven’t personally tried it but a quick Google says there are actually dairy-free plant-based heavy cream alternatives that can replace regular heavy cream. One brand name I came across at my local store was Country Crock.

      Reply
  3. Pamela says

    November 16, 2022

    I am making this today for the first time as it is a cold rainy day in New England.

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      November 16, 2022

      I hope you enjoy it as much as we did, Pamela 🙂

      Reply
    • Sydney says

      March 12, 2023

      Do you need to cook the gnocchi before adding it to the crockpot?

      Reply
      • The Cooking Jar says

        March 12, 2023

        No need to cook it beforehand. Adding it in towards the end and cooking it for 30-45 minutes on high is more than enough time to cook it in the slow cooker. You’ll know it’s done when it floats to the surface.

        Reply
  4. Abby says

    January 25, 2022

    I’m looking forward to trying this. Can I substitute chicken breast that has already been shredded?

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      January 25, 2022

      Sure you can. I assume since it’s pre-shredded that it’s already cooked – like rotisserie chicken? If it is already cooked, add it in the tail end of the cooking time along with the gnocchi, just enough to warm it up again in the soup. You don’t want to overcook it because it will end up tough. If I’m misunderstanding and it’s not cooked, follow the instructions like normal!

      Reply
  5. Pam Thomas says

    January 11, 2022

    Love the CHICKEN GNOCCI soup. Does this soup freeze well?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • The Cooking Jar says

      January 11, 2022

      I wish I could say yes but unfortunately, it will not do well in the freezer. The gnocchi texture will change once frozen and will end up soggy and the dairy in the soup breaks down when frozen and will separate. It’s one of those things best eaten fresh or as leftovers for up to 3-4 days.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Grilled shrimp on plate.
Farah - Author of The Cooking Jar.

Here at The Cooking Jar you'll find recipes that focus on practical everyday food using everyday ingredients. Each recipe is tried and true from my kitchen to yours. Happy cooking!

More About Me
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.

FREE eCookbook!

Subscribe to the newsletter + get a free copy of our most popular recipes!

Thank you!

Check your email to confirm and activate your subscription.

Kitchen Essentials - The Basics.

Warm Up This Winter

  • Meatball pasta bake in a white casserole dish.
    Meatball Pasta Bake
  • Slow cooker creamy tortellini soup in a white bowl.
    Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
  • Sour cream beef noodle casserole in a white casserole dish.
    Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole
  • A bowl of slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup topped with cracked black pepper.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  • Spinach and artichoke ravioli bake in a white casserole dish.
    Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Bake
  • Shredded slow cooker chicken and gravy in a crock pot topped with chopped fresh parsley.
    Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
  • Featured On
  • Buzzfeed Logo.
  • the kitchn Logo.
  • delish Logo.
  • The Huffington Post Logo.
  • CountryLiving Logo.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.

FREE eCookbook!

Subscribe to the newsletter + get a free copy of our most popular recipes!

Thank you!

Check your email to confirm and activate your subscription.

The Cooking Jar Logo

Recipes

  • Appetizers
  • Beef
  • Breakfast
  • Chicken
  • Casseroles
  • Dips and Sauces
  • Main Dishes
  • Pasta
  • Seafood
  • Sides and Salads
  • Slow Cooker
  • Soups and Stews
©2023, The Cooking Jar. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Nutrition Disclaimer
Back To Top
×
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.
The Cooking Jar eBook - Readers Favorite Recipes.

FREE eCookbook!

Subscribe to the newsletter + get a free copy of our most popular recipes!

Thank you!

Check your email to confirm and activate your subscription.

3K Shares
Pin3K
Share
Reddit
Email