If you have ever dreamed of curling up with a warm, hearty bowl packed with comforting Italian flavors, you are going to love this Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe. This dish is a creamy, savory medley of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese, all slowly simmered to perfection in a crock pot. It balances the rustic charm of Italian herbs with the smoothness of a creamy broth, delivering a soul-satisfying experience that feels like a big, warm hug from an Italian nonna herself. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a fuss-free, delicious meal, this soup brings both ease and elegance to your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to making this soup a standout. Each item plays a key role, bringing in distinct flavors, colors, and textures that meld beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Olive oil: A flavorful base that gently sautés the veggies and infuses the soup with a subtle richness.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the broth once softened.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a classic Italian punch.
- Carrots: Provide a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks: Offer earthy freshness and a slight crunch initially, which softens into a tender bite in the slow cooker.
- Dried basil, oregano, and thyme: These herbs create the classic Italian seasoning profile that makes the soup unmistakably comforting.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle heat if you want a subtle kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor in the soup.
- Canned diced tomatoes with juices: Introduce a tangy brightness and texture contrast.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Serves as the flavorful, savory foundation for slow cooking.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and protein-packed, they shred beautifully after cooking.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, they absorb the soup’s flavors and add a wonderful hearty chew.
- Fresh spinach: Brings a pop of green color and nutritious freshness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy and velvety.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
How to Make Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to release its fragrant essence. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and start to sweeten, creating a flavor-packed base for your soup. This step elevates the overall depth of the dish and ensures each bite is full-bodied.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your crock pot. Then, layer in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, followed by the salt and pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth before adding the whole chicken breasts on top. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors loosely before sealing the lid.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Set your crock pot to low and let your soup cook gently for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re pressed for time, high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful, and the herbs to fully infuse the broth with their aromatic goodness. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily pulls apart with a fork.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add the Final Ingredients
Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add the gnocchi, chopped fresh spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender and the soup turns wonderfully creamy.
Step 5: Final Stir and Serve
Give the soup a good stir before serving to distribute the spinach and cheese evenly. Now you’re ready to enjoy the fruits of your slow-cooking labor—a bowl full of comforting Italian flavors in every spoonful.
How to Serve Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves on top can elevate the presentation and add a fresh pop of flavor to your soup. For a little extra warmth, drizzle a touch of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crunchy crusty bread or garlic bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up every creamy drop. A light side salad with a simple balsamic vinaigrette is also a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small hollowed-out bread bowls to make serving feel extra special. You could also prepare it as a buffet-style option with garnishes on the side, allowing guests to customize their bowls with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a splash of chili oil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored easily in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day. Just be mindful that the gnocchi may absorb more liquid, so you might want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but because of the potato gnocchi and cream, it’s best to freeze only the soup base without adding gnocchi or cream in advance. Store the soup base separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight, reheat, then stir in fresh gnocchi, cream, spinach, and cheese as directed.
Reheating
Reheat your Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup is too thick, loosen it with a little chicken broth or water. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from curdling, and add any fresh spinach or cheese just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use Italian sausage instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Swapping chicken for Italian sausage adds a savory, spicy note to the soup that pairs wonderfully with the creamy broth and gnocchi. Just brown the sausage before adding it to the crock pot for best results.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can make a vegetarian Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leaving out the chicken. Adding extra beans or mushrooms will boost the protein and add heartiness.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to keep the soup from becoming too watery.
How long does the gnocchi last in the soup before it gets mushy?
The gnocchi is best cooked in the last 30 minutes of slow cooking to maintain its tender yet slightly firm texture. If left too long, it may become overly soft and mushy, so timing is key for perfect results.
Can I make this soup in a regular pot instead of a crock pot?
Yes! Simmer the soup gently on the stovetop for about 45 minutes to an hour, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld. Add the gnocchi, spinach, cream, and cheese in the last 10-15 minutes so they don’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe is the kind of meal that feels special yet comes together with ease, perfect for busy days when you still want something comforting and homemade. Its creamy texture, vibrant colors, and rich Italian flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch how it warms your home and your soul!
Print
Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, creamy, and comforting dish perfect for cozy family meals. Featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a blend of Italian herbs simmered to perfection in a slow cooker, this soup combines rich flavors with effortless preparation.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant to build the soup’s flavor base.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the crock pot. Add dried basil, oregano, thyme, optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and chicken breasts. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the crock pot.
- Add Gnocchi and Greens: Stir in the potato gnocchi, chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Finish Cooking: Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender and the soup is creamy and heated through.
- Serve: Stir well before serving to combine all flavors evenly. Enjoy warm as a comforting Italian-style soup.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with Italian sausage for added flavor and richness.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce fat without losing creaminess.
- Add more spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrition.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Gnocchi should be added near the end to prevent overcooking and becoming mushy.
