Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights.
This delicious Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a family favorite packed with flavor and comfort. The tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a blend of spices make this dish a must-try!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A perfect blend of spices for a warm kick
- Creamy texture that enhances every spoonful
- Easy to prepare and cooks itself while you go about your day
A Cozy Comfort Food
When the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to lift your spirits. This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is designed to be that perfect comfort food. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it offers a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
The combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi creates a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the spice level is adjustable, making it suitable for all palates. A touch of heat from red pepper flakes adds a cozy kick, making this dish ideal for chilly evenings.
Effortless Preparation
One of the best features of this soup is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal active cooking time, you can throw everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you're simply looking for a no-fuss dinner solution.
Simply chop your vegetables and seasonings, add them to the crockpot with the chicken and broth, and let it simmer. By the time you come home or finish your daily tasks, a delicious and aromatic meal will be waiting for you, ready to serve.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only great for immediate enjoyment but also shines as a meal prep option. You can easily make a larger batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze portions for later use. It's a fantastic way to ensure you have a hearty meal on hand without the need for last-minute cooking.
When reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy texture. This soup maintains its flavor well, making it a convenient and delicious choice for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting your soup.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your soup in the crockpot.
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the diced vegetables, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup.
Add Cream and Gnocchi
Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your homemade Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider pairing this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a light side salad or crusty bread. The freshness of a green salad complements the richness of the soup, while a slice of warm garlic bread can be perfect for dipping.
You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs can elevate the presentation and taste, making it even more appetizing.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying this soup over several days. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. When stored in the refrigerator, it can last for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. This way, you can enjoy a warm bowl anytime you crave it.
When reheating from frozen, it's best to let the soup thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of cream or broth to regain its luscious consistency.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is already packed with flavor, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. For instance, consider adding different vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Each variation can bring a new twist to this classic dish.
If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This not only reduces calories but also adds a unique flavor profile, making the soup suitable for various dietary preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just extend the cooking time by an hour.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day in advance and cook it the next day.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights.
Created by: Violet Hart
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Start by dicing the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the diced vegetables, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup.
Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the gnocchi are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 15g