Creamy Dreamy Crockpot Gnocchi Delight
Hello, soup lovers! Get ready for a hug in a bowl with this incredible Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It's creamy, comforting, and surprisingly light, made with tons of veggies and no heavy cream! Perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a warm, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy Peasy: Toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
- Creamy Without the Cream: Evaporated milk gives it that luscious texture without being too heavy.
- Veggie-Packed: Carrots, celery, onions, and spinach add nutrients and flavor.
- Gnocchi Goodness: Those soft, pillowy dumplings make every spoonful a delight.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups mirepoix (chopped onions, celery, and carrots)
- 1-2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- Two 12 ounce cans evaporated milk
- Two 1 lb packages gnocchi
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
How to Make It
- Slow Cooker Magic: Add chicken, mirepoix, basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and chicken broth to your crockpot. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken right in the pot.
- Thicken the Soup: Stir in the cornstarch mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. Cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the soup thickens and gnocchi softens.
- Crispy Bacon Touch: Cook bacon until crispy, then saute minced garlic and spinach in the leftover bacon grease until spinach is wilted. Add to the soup. Stir well and serve
FAQs
Can I use dairy-free milk? Yes! Unsweetened almond milk or canned coconut milk work great, just add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
What if my soup is too thick? Gnocchi tends to soak up liquid, so simply add a bit more broth or evaporated milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot? Yes! Cook chicken, veggies, and seasonings for 20 minutes on high pressure. Quick release, shred chicken, then add the cornstarch mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. Use the Saute function to thicken for about 20 minutes. Stir in the bacon and spinach.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
- Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal
- Great for meal delivery to new parents or friends feeling under the weather.
Variations
- Add some heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Use different types of gnocchi or pasta
- Add other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini
Enjoy!
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's cozy, satisfying, and perfect for any time you need a little comfort. Don't forget to share your creations and let me know how it turned out!