Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
A warm and comforting soup that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a kick of spice, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot.
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is your new go-to for a cozy dinner. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while the gnocchi adds a delightful texture. Perfect for chilly evenings!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying with a perfect balance of spice
- Easy to prepare; just set it and forget it!
- A delicious way to warm up on a cold day
A Perfect Comfort Food
When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like a hot bowl of soup to warm you up. This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup fits the bill perfectly, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender chicken mingles wonderfully with the soft, pillowy gnocchi, while the spices add a zesty kick that keeps each spoonful interesting. It’s the kind of meal that not only nourishes the body but also comforts the soul.
The beauty of this soup lies in its hearty nature. With a base of rich chicken broth and cream, every bite is creamy and satisfying. The addition of tomatoes and herbs brings freshness to the dish, balancing the richness and making it a well-rounded meal. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you've got a complete dinner that everyone will love.
Crockpot Convenience
One of the best features of this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is its ease of preparation. The crockpot allows you to throw in all your ingredients in the morning and return home to a deliciously cooked meal. This 'set it and forget it' method is perfect for busy families or anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine without sacrificing flavor.
Moreover, using the crockpot means the flavors have time to meld beautifully. As the ingredients cook together slowly, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the spices infuse into every element of the soup. This hands-off cooking style ensures that you can enjoy a homemade dish with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.
Customizable and Versatile
Another fantastic aspect of this soup is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste; if you prefer a milder soup, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or skip them altogether. Alternatively, for those who crave more heat, you can add extra spices or even a dash of hot sauce to amp up the flavor.
Additionally, this recipe serves as a great base for experimentation. Feel free to throw in vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. You can also swap out the chicken for turkey or even make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding more veggies. The possibilities are endless, making this soup a staple for any kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup uncooked gnocchi
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Combine all ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work!
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In your crockpot, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Add Gnocchi and Cream
Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender.
Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious soup!
Enjoy this hearty soup with a slice of crusty bread!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your dining experience, consider serving this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. The crunchy texture of the bread complements the creamy soup beautifully, while a salad adds a refreshing contrast. You can also offer a variety of toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper, or even a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
For a more festive occasion, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only makes for a stunning presentation but also adds an extra layer of flavor as the bread absorbs the delicious broth.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. To keep the gnocchi from becoming too mushy, it's best to store the soup and gnocchi separately if possible. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to revive its creamy texture.
If you want to freeze it, consider freezing the soup base without the gnocchi. This way, when you're ready to eat, you can cook fresh gnocchi and add it to the reheated soup for the best texture. The soup can be frozen for up to three months, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Nutritional Benefits
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The chicken provides a healthy source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. Additionally, the tomatoes and herbs offer vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a well-balanced meal.
Heavy cream adds richness, but if you're looking for a lighter option, consider substituting it with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative. Similarly, by adding more vegetables, you can increase the fiber content, making this soup even more filling and beneficial for your digestive health.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
→ Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
→ What can I use instead of gnocchi?
You can use any pasta, but cooking times may vary. Add pasta in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
A warm and comforting soup that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a kick of spice, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot.
Created by: Harper Collins
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup uncooked gnocchi
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In your crockpot, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious soup!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g