
A hearty bowl of velvety chicken gnocchi soup hits the spot when it's freezing outside. This crockpot method mingles juicy chicken, soft potato dumplings, and crisp veggies in a thick, smooth broth that's been cooking away while you're busy doing other things!
I've tried so many times to copy my go-to eatery's soup, but this slow cooker approach turned out way better - the slow, low heat brings out amazing flavor layers.
Must-Have Components Breakdown
- Chicken thighs: Tastier than breast meat
- Fresh gnocchi: Grab from the refrigerated area
- Baby spinach: Toss in last to stay green
- Heavy cream: Makes the smoothest base
- Fresh herbs: The dried stuff just won't cut it
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- Step 1: Stack things right
- Put chicken at the bottom. Toss hardy veggies in next. Wait on adding the fragile stuff.
- Step 2: Get your foundation going
- Pick low-sodium stock for better taste control. Sprinkle seasonings bit by bit. Let everything mellow together.
- Step 3: Nail the ending
- Pull chicken apart while it's still warm. Pour cream in gradually so it won't break. Cook the gnocchi just enough.
- Step 4: Get the right feel
- Thicken with cornstarch if needed. Drop spinach in at the very end. Let it sit before you dig in.
My nonna always told me you haven't finished making soup until you've tasted and tweaked the seasonings at least three separate times.
This soup's become our weekend staple. There's nothing better than walking through the door and smelling those herbs and chicken after being out all day - it's basically comfort in a bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen chicken be used?
- You can! Just let it cook for an hour longer to make sure it’s done.
- → What works instead of gnocchi?
- If you don’t have gnocchi, toss in some tortellini or little pasta instead.
- → Can this soup go in the freezer?
- Freeze it without adding the cream or gnocchi. Mixing those in fresh when reheating works better.
- → Will milk work instead of cream?
- Half and half works better since milk might turn watery or separate when heated.
- → How should leftovers be kept?
- Pop what's left in a sealed container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Warm it up gently!