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Chicken gnocchi soup with creamy broth, spinach, shredded chicken, gnocchi, carrots, and bacon

Chicken Gnocchi Soup with Creamy Spinach and Bacon

Chicken gnocchi soup is a creamy, comforting slow cooker meal with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, vegetables, spinach, and crispy bacon. It is a hearty choice for cozy weeknight dinners when you want a rich homemade soup with satisfying texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 282
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups mirepoix (a simple mixture of chopped onions, celery, and carrots)
  • 1-2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1-2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups chicken broth
Creamy Gnocchi Mixture
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
  • two 12 oz / 340 g cans evaporated milk
  • two 1 lb. packages gnocchi (about 4 cups)
Bacon Spinach Mixture
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach

Method
 

Slow Cooker Soup Base
  1. Add the chicken, mirepoix, dried basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and chicken broth to a crockpot or slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker once it is tender.
Creamy Gnocchi Addition
  1. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. Replace the cover and continue cooking for 45 minutes – 1 hour, until the soup thickens and the gnocchi becomes tender.
Bacon and Spinach Finish
  1. Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then remove most of the bacon grease from the pan while leaving a small amount for cooking the spinach and garlic.
  2. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for one minute. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, then remove from the heat.
  3. Add the bacon and spinach mixture to the slow cooker and stir until combined.
Seasoning and Serving
  1. Add additional liquid as needed if the soup becomes too thick, then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper before serving, as the amount needed can vary depending on the saltiness of the broth. Instant Pot Instructions: Add the chicken, mirepoix, basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and broth to the Instant Pot. Cook for 20 minutes on high pressure, then use quick release. Remove and shred the chicken before returning it to the pot. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi, then use the Saute function to simmer for another 20 minutes or so until thickened. Stir in the bacon and spinach to finish.