Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Recipe)
This slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup is creamy, cozy, and loaded with tender chicken, veggies, and pillowy gnocchi. An easy Olive Garden–inspired recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Slow Cookier Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This cozy slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup is basically comfort in a bowl.
It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and veggies. Kind of like Olive Garden’s famous version but even better because it cooks while you live your life.
Toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner you’ll have a warm, filling soup that feels homemade with almost zero effort.
If you love delicious soup recipes you may also enjoy my Easy Chicken Carcass Soup or my Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup.
Simple Ingredients You Need For The Slow Cookier Chicken Gnocchi Soup
You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this creamy soup (the exact measurements, detailed instructions and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs – thighs will add extra flavor.
Carrots
White onion
Celery
Paprika – just a pinch.
Red pepper flakes – optional, for heat.
- Italian Seasoning
Chicken bouillon (or 1 cube).
Cloves garlic – pressed or minced.
Chicken broth or chicken stock
Salt + pepper – be generous.
Cauliflower gnocchi
Cornstarch – thickens the soup.
Half-and-half or heavy cream – your call on richness.
Baby spinach or kale – gently torn or chopped.
Fresh parmesan cheese – to garnish.
- Optional – oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, rosemary, other fresh vegetables, etc.
How To Make The Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Add the chicken breasts, carrots, onion, celery, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, bouillon, garlic, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Remove the chicken and shred with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Whisk the cornstarch with the heavy cream, to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup.
Add the gnocchi and spinach. Cook on high for another 60 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft and the soup has thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with parmesan and crusty bread.
Tips And Tricks For Best Results
Season generously: The soup base needs a good amount of salt to bring out all the flavors.
Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Add them at the end so they stay soft and pillowy.
Thighs = flavor: Chicken thighs stay juicy, but breasts work too if that’s what you have.
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
Add parmesan to the pot: Melting some right into the soup makes it extra cheesy and rich.
Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2-3 chicken breasts
- 3 large carrots
- ½ medium yellow onion
- 3 ribs celery
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- 2-3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cauliflower gnocchi
- 2 large handfuls spinach
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts, carrots, onion, celery, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, bouillon, garlic, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and shred with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Whisk the cornstarch with the heavy cream, to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup.
- Add the gnocchi and cook on high for another 60 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft and the soup has thickened. Then add in the spinach and parmesan.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with parmesan and crusty bread.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The gnocchi will soak up some liquid, so add a splash of broth or cream when reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Faqs
Can I freeze this slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup?
The base (without gnocchi or cream) freezes really well for up to 2 months. Just add the cream and gnocchi fresh when reheating.
What’s the best gnocchi to use?
Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi both work. Just don’t overcook them.
Can I swap spinach for kale?
Yes! Kale adds a bit more texture, while spinach softens into the soup.
Other Warming Meals You May Enjoy!
- Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Keto Cheeeseburger Soup
- Vegan Thai Red Curry With Tofu
- Easy Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
- Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Copycat Wendy’s Top Secret Chili Recipe
- Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
IF YOU TRIED THIS EASY PROTEIN SOUP PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS EASY RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails
About Bailey
I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…
