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You will need the following items to make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 cups carrots, diced into small pieces - 1 cup celery, finely diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a lighter option) - 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for a vibrant garnish) You can easily change some ingredients in this soup: - Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for more flavor. - Broth: Use vegetable broth for a meat-free option. - Cream: Coconut cream works well for a dairy-free soup. - Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for added texture. - Herbs: Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor. Use what you have! Each ingredient adds to the soup's health and flavor: - Chicken: A great source of lean protein, keeping you full. - Carrots: Packed with vitamins and add a sweet flavor. - Celery: Adds crunch and has hydration benefits. - Garlic: Good for your heart and boosts flavor. - Spinach: Rich in iron and vitamins, it gives color and nutrition. - Heavy cream: Makes the soup rich and filling, but you can lighten it up! Using these fresh ingredients makes this dish not just tasty but also good for you. Enjoy every bowl! To start, grab your slow cooker. Place 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom. This will be the base for our soup. Spread the chicken out evenly. This helps it cook well. Next, add the veggies. Dice 2 cups of carrots into small pieces. Finely dice 1 cup of celery. Chop 1 medium onion. Layer these over the chicken. This colorful mix adds flavor and texture. Now, carefully pour 4 cups of chicken broth over the chicken and veggies. Make sure everything is submerged. This broth will bring warmth and richness. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic for a nice kick. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to mix the flavors. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and ready to shred when done. Once cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken with tongs. Place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return it to the pot. Now, add 16 ounces of potato gnocchi and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat to high and let it cook for another 30 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when they are cooked. In the last 10 minutes, fold in 2 cups of chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and turns bright green. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy this flavorful comfort dish! To make your soup creamier, use heavy cream. You can also add a little more cream than the recipe states. If you want a lighter option, coconut cream works well too. It adds a nice flavor and helps thicken the soup. Stir in the cream slowly to avoid lumps. You can change the flavors to suit your taste. If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes. For a more herbal taste, increase the thyme and rosemary. Don't forget to taste as you go. You can add more salt or pepper based on your choice. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can give a fresh twist too. Avoid cooking the chicken too long. It can become dry and tough. Instead of stirring too much, let the ingredients cook together. This helps the flavors blend. Don't skip the spinach; it adds color and nutrients. Lastly, use a good quality broth. It makes a big difference in taste! {{image_4}} If you want a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. This swap reduces fat but keeps the rich taste. You could also use low-fat milk or almond milk for a different flavor. Try using more veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, for extra nutrients. These options help make the soup healthier and just as tasty. Feel free to add any vegetables you love! Consider adding peas, green beans, or even kale. This will boost the soup's flavor and texture. If you want more protein, add white beans or chickpeas. They blend well with gnocchi and bring extra fiber. You could even toss in some cooked sausage or turkey for a heartier meal. For a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this option, so check your local store. You can also use sweet potato gnocchi for a twist. This keeps the flavor but makes the dish suitable for gluten-free diets. Always check labels on broths and seasonings to avoid gluten. Storing leftovers is easy. First, let the soup cool down. Then, pour it into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This allows the soup to expand when frozen. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on medium-low until warm. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between each interval until hot. Freezing is a great option for later meals. Once the soup is cooled, pour it into freezer-safe bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer. This saves space and makes it easier to thaw. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an hour to the cooking time. This will ensure the chicken cooks through and is tender. Keep an eye on the soup. If it looks watery, you may need to cook it longer. Frozen chicken works well, but fresh chicken gives the best taste. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to use an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh and tasty. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Use a large pot and cook on medium heat. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic for flavor. Then, add chicken, broth, and veggies. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Cook the gnocchi separately, then add them in. This method is quicker but still gives great taste. This article covered all you need to make a great slow cooker soup. We discussed key ingredients, their benefits, and how to layer them. I gave you step-by-step instructions for perfect cooking. Then, I shared tips for creaminess and flavor adjustments. We explored health-conscious variations, storage methods, and common questions. In summary, you now have all the tools to create your own delicious soup! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Warm up your mealtime with this cozy slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup! Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy goodness, this recipe is perfect for busy days. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Discover how to create this deliciously comforting dish that's sure to please the whole family. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a hearty bowl today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups carrots, diced into small pieces

1 cup celery, finely diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

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

1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for a vibrant garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading them out to ensure even cooking.

    Layer the diced carrots, celery, and chopped onion over the chicken, creating a colorful vegetable bed.

      Carefully pour the chicken broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that all the vegetables and chicken are fully submerged.

        Incorporate the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring gently to combine all the flavors.

          Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked and tender when finished.

            Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs. Place it on a chopping board and shred the chicken using two forks, returning the shredded meat back into the pot.

              Add the potato gnocchi and heavy cream to the slow cooker, stirring well to ensure everything is combined. Increase the heat to high and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi rise to the surface, signaling they’re fully cooked.

                During the last 10 minutes of cooking, fold in the chopped spinach and stir until the spinach is wilted and bright green.

                  Before serving, taste the soup and adjust any seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic, wide bowls, garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an appealing touch. Pair the dish with crusty bread on the side for delightful dipping!