Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Very easy, very comforting, very delicious. And simple to make gluten-free. We made a common base and then divided into two crockpots to separate the gluten-free gnocchi.

Ingredients -

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 small onion, chopped finely

3/4 cup chopped celery

3/4 cup chopped carrots

2 teaspoons dried basil

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

4 cups chicken broth

3 Tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 Tablespoons water

Two 12-ounce cans evaporated milk

2 lbs. gnocchi (about 4 cups)

6 slices bacon

3 cloves minced garlic

2 cups fresh baby spinach

Preparation & Cooking

1. In a crockpot, add the chicken breasts, onion, celery, and carrots. Sprinkle with basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, red pepper, and salt. Cover with the 4 cups of chicken broth and stir to blend seasonings.

2. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 8 hours). With two forks, shred the chicken breasts in the crockpot.

3. Stir in the cornstarch/water mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi.

4. Cover and cook another 45 minutes to one hour until the soup thickens and the gnocchi is softened.

5. While the soup is thickening, chop the bacon into small pieces and fry until crispy. Remove from pan. In the bacon-greased pan, saute the garlic for one minute, then add the spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and add the bacon, garlic, and spinach to the crockpot.

6. Stir to combine. Add salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add a little milk, cream, or chicken broth.

Serve

This soup is just a big bowl of delicious! Top with parmesan cheese or parsley or more bacon. A good crusty French bread is always a smart choice. We found an amazing cheesy biscuit mix that made a stellar side.

A Little Backstory

Winter in Minnesota means a never-ending quest for hearty meals and crockpot recipes. We're always on the hunt for good soup -- the heartier the better, when it's 10 below and a snowstorm.