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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 cups carrots, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream) - 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a warm and comforting soup. Start with chicken breasts. They give the soup a hearty base. Next, grab fresh carrots, celery, and onion. These veggies add sweetness and crunch. Don't forget garlic! It brings a lovely aroma and flavor. Seasoning is crucial, too. Use thyme, rosemary, and Italian herbs for depth. Salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. For creaminess, choose heavy cream or coconut cream. This makes the soup rich and smooth. Finally, the gnocchi adds a fun twist and texture. Fresh spinach brightens the dish. It also packs in nutrients. Top it all off with parsley for a pop of color. This mix of ingredients creates a balanced and tasty soup. Each bite will warm you from the inside out. - Layering the Chicken and Vegetables Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This step is key. The chicken will cook evenly and soak up flavors. Next, add the diced carrots, diced celery, and chopped onion right on top of the chicken. These veggies add a nice crunch and taste. - Adding the Liquid and Seasonings Pour 4 cups of chicken broth over the layers. Make sure everything is well submerged. This broth is the heart of the soup. Then, sprinkle in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix. This balance of flavors is essential for a warm, comforting dish. - Slow Cooking on Low vs. High You can cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. If you have time, I recommend low. It makes the chicken super tender. The flavors meld beautifully when cooked slowly. If you’re short on time, the high setting works too. Just check the chicken for doneness. - Shredding the Chicken Once cooked, remove the chicken carefully. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This step adds texture to the soup. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. It’s now ready for the next delicious step. - Incorporating Gnocchi and Cream Stir in the potato gnocchi and 1 cup of heavy cream. This cream makes the soup rich and creamy. Let it cook on high for about 30 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when they’re done. That’s your sign they’re ready! - Adding Spinach In the last 10 minutes, add the chopped spinach. It wilts quickly and adds color. Stir it in until it’s just wilted. This soup is now a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, ready to warm your soul. - Ensuring Flavor Profiles: Always taste your soup before serving. If it needs more depth, add salt or herbs. Fresh parsley gives a nice finish too. - Recommended Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup in rustic bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping. - What to Do if the Soup is Too Thick: If the soup is thick, add more chicken broth. Stir well and heat it for a few minutes. - Adjusting Flavors Before Serving: Taste the soup before you serve it. If it lacks flavor, add more salt, pepper, or herbs. - Ideal Slow Cooker Size and Type: A 6-quart slow cooker works great for this soup. It gives enough space for all the ingredients. - Other Useful Cooking Tools: Have two forks ready to shred the chicken. A sturdy ladle helps serve the soup easily. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this soup. Use turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option. For a plant-based choice, try tofu. The texture of tofu works well with gnocchi. You can also switch up the veggies. Add peas or corn for sweetness. You can use zucchini or bell peppers for extra color. The soup stays tasty and fun with these swaps. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this choice now. You can also use rice noodles as a fun substitute. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. This keeps the soup creamy without dairy. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha. This adds a nice kick to the soup. Adjust the amount to your spice level. Fresh herbs make a big difference. Toss in some fresh basil or oregano before serving. This adds bright flavors and aromas to your warm bowl of soup. How long can it last in the fridge? You can keep this soup in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Best practices for freezing and reheating To freeze, let the soup cool first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some room at the top for expansion. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. How to properly reheat without compromising quality To reheat the soup, pour it into a pot over low heat. Stir it often until it warms up. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid hot spots. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out before serving. The prep time for this soup is about 15 minutes. You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. That means the total time can be up to 7 hours. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it easy for you. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Frozen gnocchi cooks quickly, so it will work well in the soup. If you use fresh gnocchi, add it during the last 30 minutes too. Both options will give you a tasty soup. You can definitely make this soup ahead of time. Prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. The flavors will blend well overnight. When ready to eat, just heat it on the stove. You can also freeze it for later. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You've learned how to create a rich slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup. I shared key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. The tips and variations I mentioned help you adjust the flavors and stay within your diet. Lastly, you can store leftovers for later enjoyment. This soup is versatile, easy to make, and sure to please many palates. Enjoy experimenting with your own touches to make it just right for you!

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Warm up your evenings with this cozy slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup! Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy gnocchi, this comforting dish is perfect for a chilly day. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious meal that cooks itself. Ready to delight your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a lighter option)

1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

    Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion on top of the chicken.

      Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and chicken, ensuring everything is submerged in liquid.

        Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

          Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

            Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

              Stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream, mixing well. Let it cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top, indicating they’re cooked.

                In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the chopped spinach and mix until wilted.

                  Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Offer crusty bread on the side for dipping!