Craving a warm, hearty meal? This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the answer! Packed with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, it’s a dish you’ll love. In just a few steps, you can create a creamy soup that warms your soul. Whether you’re a busy parent or a first-time cook, this recipe is easy to follow and full of flavor. Let’s dive into making this deliciousness!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 lb potato gnocchi
– 2 cups fresh spinach
Vegetables
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, and pepper
Liquids and Fats
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
For this creamy chicken gnocchi soup, you want fresh and high-quality ingredients. The chicken breast is the star of the dish, providing protein. Gnocchi adds a comforting touch, making the soup hearty. Fresh spinach brings a lovely color and nutrients.
When it comes to vegetables, I love using onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. They build flavor and aroma. The thyme and basil add a fragrant twist that makes the soup feel special. Use salt and pepper to season the dish to your taste.
For liquids, low-sodium chicken broth gives a savory base. The heavy cream or coconut cream makes it rich and creamy. Olive oil is great for sautéing the vegetables and adds healthy fats.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re set for a delicious meal. Each element plays a key role in making this soup a comforting favorite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need:
– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
– 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Next, prepare the vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Add these to a large slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and mix well.
Now, season the chicken. Place the chicken breast on top of the veggies. Sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, and basil over the chicken. This step adds great flavor to your soup.
Slow Cooking Process
For the first cooking stage, pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken needs to be cooked through.
After cooking, remove the chicken. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to mix back into the soup.
Final Steps
Now, it’s time to add the gnocchi. Toss the gnocchi into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on high for another 30 minutes. This will make the gnocchi tender and flavorful.
Next, incorporate the cream and spinach. Add the heavy cream or coconut cream and fresh spinach to the slow cooker. Stir well and cook for another 5-10 minutes. The spinach will wilt, and the soup will heat through.
Finally, return the shredded chicken to the soup. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your creamy chicken gnocchi soup!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To ensure tender chicken, start with fresh, high-quality meat. Place the chicken on top of the veggies in the slow cooker. Use low heat for a longer time. This method helps the chicken stay juicy and soft. Shred the chicken after cooking. This gives it a nice texture in the soup.
Perfecting the soup consistency is key. If it’s too thick, add more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it cook longer with the lid off. The gnocchi will soak up some liquid, so adjust as needed. Stir gently to keep the gnocchi intact.
Serving Suggestions
For the best garnishes, I recommend fresh parsley. It adds a nice pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. This cheese adds a rich taste that pairs well with the soup.
Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad works great too. Choose greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy soup.
Making it Lighter
To make the soup lighter, consider using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This option still keeps the soup rich but reduces calories. You can also try half-and-half for a middle ground between cream and milk.
To reduce sodium content, use low-sodium chicken broth. Rinse canned vegetables if you use them. This can help cut down on extra salt. Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the protein in this soup. Turkey works great instead of chicken. If you want a veggie twist, use kale or zucchini. These swaps keep the soup fresh and exciting.
Flavor Enhancements
Add cheese for a richer flavor. Parmesan is a fantastic choice. It melts beautifully and adds depth. For those who like a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This adds a nice heat without overpowering the dish.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, there are many brands of gluten-free gnocchi. They taste just as good and work well in this soup. For a vegan version, swap the cream for coconut cream. Use plant-based broth and skip the chicken. You’ll enjoy a creamy, hearty soup that everyone will love.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, cool the soup down to room temperature. Then, pour it into airtight containers. This keeps the soup fresh. I like to use glass containers. They are safe and easy to clean. Make sure to seal them tightly. This helps prevent spills and keeps the soup tasty.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool first. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion when frozen. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove. Stir it often and add a splash of broth if needed.
Shelf Life Details
In the fridge, the soup lasts about 3-4 days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to 3 months. Look for changes in color or smell. If the soup smells sour or looks off, it is best to toss it. Always trust your senses when checking for spoilage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. It changes the cooking time. If you start with frozen chicken, cook it on high for 4-5 hours. This ensures it gets cooked through. The texture may be slightly different. It can be a bit less tender, but it will still taste great.
How can I thicken the soup?
To thicken the soup, you have a few options. You can add more heavy cream. This will make it rich and creamy. Another method is to mix in a cornstarch slurry. Just mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Stir it into the soup and cook for a few more minutes. Alternatively, you can mash some of the gnocchi against the side of the slow cooker. This will help thicken the soup naturally.
Is it safe to cook gnocchi for too long?
Cooking gnocchi for too long is not ideal. If you overcook it, the gnocchi can become mushy. It may lose its shape and texture. You want to cook it for about 30 minutes after adding it to the soup. This keeps it tender but not too soft.
This blog post covered a tasty slow cooker soup with chicken, gnocchi, and spinach. I shared the main ingredients, steps, and tips to make it great. You can swap ingredients or lighten the recipe to fit your needs. Don’t forget storage tips for leftovers. Overall, this dish is simple, warm, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy creating your own version of this comforting recipe!
