Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up with this hearty and spicy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup, perfect for chilly days.
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your soul. The slow cooking process allows the spices to infuse the chicken and gnocchi, resulting in a comforting bowl of goodness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and spicy flavor that warms you from the inside out
- Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
- Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner
A Cozy Comfort Food
There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and flavorful vegetables creates a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you're coming in from the cold or just need a pick-me-up, this soup is sure to lift your spirits.
Using a crockpot makes this recipe not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. You can prepare all the ingredients in the morning, set it to cook, and come home to a perfectly simmered soup. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is versatile enough to serve at family dinners, special occasions, or even casual weeknight meals. Its rich flavors and hearty textures appeal to both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a fantastic meal prep option; you can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Hosting a gathering? This soup can easily be scaled up to feed a crowd. Serve it in bread bowls for a fun twist, or pair it with a fresh salad and crusty bread for a complete meal that will impress your guests. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
While this recipe calls for specific ingredients, feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, you can swap out the chicken for turkey or even use chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Additionally, any type of vegetables can be added, such as spinach or kale, to boost the nutritional value.
If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or use mild diced tomatoes. For a thicker consistency, consider adding a bit more heavy cream or even a cornstarch slurry at the end of cooking. This recipe is forgiving and allows for creativity!
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup:
Main 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
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your soup:
Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
In the crockpot, add the chicken breasts, diced carrots, diced celery, onion, and minced garlic.
Add the Liquids and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, 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 tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Add Gnocchi and Cream
Stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, or until the gnocchi are cooked through.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your bowl of comforting Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
Storage and Reheating
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
If you plan to make a larger batch for meal prep, consider freezing the soup in portions. It freezes well, though the gnocchi may become slightly softer after thawing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat gently on the stove to maintain the best texture.
Pairing Suggestions
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup. If you want something more filling, consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping. The combination of flavors will elevate your dining experience.
For a more indulgent pairing, consider a glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the creaminess of the soup while providing a refreshing contrast to the spice, making your meal even more enjoyable.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by a couple of hours.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
→ Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Warm up with this hearty and spicy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup, perfect for chilly days.
Created by: Nora Ellis
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Main 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
- 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In the crockpot, add the chicken breasts, diced carrots, diced celery, onion, and minced garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, or until the gnocchi are cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 18g