Unleashing Flavors: Slow-Cooked Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Here’s a simplified, conversational version of your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups mirepoix (a mix of chopped onions, celery, and carrots)
• 1-2 teaspoons each of dried basil and Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
• Two 12 ounce cans evaporated milk
• Two 1 lb. packages gnocchi (about 4 cups)
• 6 slices bacon
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach

Instructions:

1. Put the chicken, mirepoix, basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and broth in a crockpot or slow cooker. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Then, shred the chicken right in the crockpot.
2. Add the cornstarch mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. Stir it up, cover it again, and let it cook for another 45 minutes to an hour until the soup thickens and the gnocchi softens.
3. While the soup is thickening, cut the bacon into small pieces and fry until crispy. Drain on paper towels and wipe most of the bacon grease out of the pan, leaving just a little bit for the spinach/garlic. Saute the garlic for a minute, then add the spinach and stir until wilted. Remove from heat.
4. Add the bacon and spinach to the crockpot and stir to combine. If needed, add any additional liquid (I added about a cup of water once it started to thicken) and season again with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes:

• Don’t forget to taste and adjust with salt/pepper before serving. It may need more depending on the saltiness of your broth.
• If you’re using an Instant Pot, add the chicken, mirepoix, basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and broth to the pot. Cook for 20 minutes on high pressure. Let out the steam using quick release. Remove the chicken to shred, and then add it back to the pot. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, evaporated milk, and gnocchi. Then, use the “Saute” function to simmer the soup for another 20 minutes or so to thicken it all up. Add in the bacon and spinach, and stir to combine.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Enjoy your meal!