There is honestly nothing better than walking into your house after a long day and smelling dinner already done. We all want meals that feel like a warm hug but fit into a balanced lifestyle. That is exactly where this soup comes in. It is creamy and rich but surprisingly light on the stomach.
Many creamy soups rely on heavy cream or loads of butter to get that velvety texture. This recipe swaps those out for evaporated milk and a simple cornstarch slurry. You get all the comfort you crave without the heavy feeling afterward. It is one of those Healthy Crockpot Recipes you will want to keep in your weekly rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Finding reliable Healthy Crockpot Recipes that the whole family enjoys can be a challenge. Sometimes healthy food leaves you feeling hungry an hour later. This soup is different because it is packed with protein and fiber. The chicken breast provides lean protein while the gnocchi makes it satisfying enough for a full meal.
Another reason this dish stands out is the volume of vegetables. You are getting two full cups of spinach plus a classic mirepoix base. The veggies cook down until they are tender and flavorful. It is a fantastic way to get picky eaters to enjoy their greens since they are surrounded by savory broth and soft dumplings.
We also need to talk about the bacon. Instead of standard pork bacon, we use beef bacon here. It adds a deep and smoky savory note that cuts through the creaminess. A little bit goes a long way. You get that salty crunch on top which provides the perfect texture contrast to the soft gnocchi.
This meal is also incredibly budget friendly. You do not need fancy equipment or expensive cuts of meat. The ingredients are simple pantry staples you likely have right now. It proves that Healthy Crockpot Dinners do not have to cost a fortune or require a culinary degree to pull off.
Finally, it is just so easy. You essentially toss the main ingredients into the pot and walk away. There is no standing over a hot stove for hours stirring a pot. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. It frees up your afternoon so you can focus on other things while dinner makes itself.
Ingredients
Making Healthy Crockpot Recipes starts with fresh and wholesome ingredients. Here is what you will need to gather for this delicious soup.
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts: This stays juicy when slow cooked in the broth.
- 2 cups mirepoix: This is just a fancy name for a mixture of chopped onions, celery, and carrots. You can chop them yourself or buy a pre cut tub to save time.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons dried basil: Adds a sweet and herbal note.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings everything together.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: This enhances the savory chicken flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for waking up all the other flavors.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Use a good quality broth for the best base.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: You will dissolve this in 2 tablespoons of water to thicken the soup later.
- Two 12 ounce cans evaporated milk: The secret to creaminess without heavy cream.
- Two 1 lb. packages gnocchi: You will need about 4 cups total. These potato dumplings make the soup hearty.
- 6 slices beef bacon: Cooked until crispy for a salty topping.
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a nice punch.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach: This adds color and nutrition right at the end.
Step-By-Step Instructions
This process is simple and straightforward. We break it down into stages to ensure your chicken is tender and your gnocchi is cooked just right. This is one of those Crockpot Dinner Ideas that is hard to mess up.
Step 1: The Initial Slow Cook
Grab your trusty slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom. dump in the mirepoix (your onions, celery, and carrots). Sprinkle the dried basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, and salt over everything.
Pour in the chicken broth. Cover the pot with the lid. You have two options for timing here. You can cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Choose whatever fits your schedule best.
Step 2: Shred and Thicken
Once the timer goes off, uncover the pot. The chicken should be very tender. Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. It should pull apart very easily.
Now it is time to make it creamy. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup. Add the evaporated milk and the gnocchi packages. Give it a good stir and put the cover back on.
Let this cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour. You want the soup to thicken up nicely and the gnocchi to become soft and pillowy.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon and Spinach
While the soup finishes that final leg of cooking, get your skillet ready. Cut the beef bacon into small pieces. Fry them in a pan over medium heat until they are nice and crispy.
Remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels. Carefully wipe most of the oil out of the pan, but leave just a tiny bit. Add your minced garlic to the pan and saute for about one minute until fragrant.
Toss in the fresh baby spinach. Stir it around just until it wilts, which should only take a minute or two. Remove the pan from the heat.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Go back to your slow cooker. Add the wilted spinach, garlic, and crispy beef bacon into the soup. Stir everything gently to combine all those wonderful flavors.
Check the consistency. If it got too thick for your liking, you can add a little water (about a cup) to loosen it up. Taste the soup and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot with some crusty bread.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftovers are often the best part of Healthy Crockpot Dinners. This soup stores quite well, though the gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. This means your soup might look more like a stew the next day.
To store it, let the soup cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you reheat it, you might need to add a splash of broth or water to get the consistency back to normal.
Freezing is possible but comes with a small warning. Gnocchi can sometimes change texture when frozen and reheated, becoming a bit softer. If you plan to freeze this, consider holding off on adding the gnocchi until you reheat the soup. If you have already cooked it all, just know the dumplings might be a bit softer upon reheating.
Tips
Seasoning is key. The amount of salt you need depends heavily on your chicken broth. Low sodium broths will require you to add more salt at the end. Always taste your food before serving it to guests.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can increase the cornstarch slightly. Just make sure to dissolve it in cold water before adding it to the hot liquid. This prevents clumps from forming in your beautiful soup.
Do not skip the step of sautéing the garlic. Adding raw garlic directly to the soup at the end can be too harsh. Sautéing it briefly mellows the flavor and makes it blend seamlessly with the spinach and bacon.
For the mirepoix, consistency in chopping matters. Try to cut your onions, celery, and carrots into similar sizes. This ensures they cook evenly. Nobody wants a giant chunk of crunch carrot in a soft soup.
Conclusion
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup proves that Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes can be just as satisfying as their heavy cream counterparts. It is warm, filling, and full of nutritious vegetables. The combination of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and savory beef bacon creates a balance of textures that is hard to beat.
Whether you are cooking for a busy family or just want meal prep for the week, this recipe delivers. It is simple enough for beginners but tasty enough to impress anyone at your table. Give this pot a try next time you need a comforting meal without the fuss.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about making this soup and adapting it to different needs.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, absolutely. You simply need to swap the standard gnocchi for a gluten free variety. Many stores carry rice based or cauliflower based gnocchi. Also, ensure your cornstarch and spices are certified free of gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally safe.
Can I Use an Instant Pot Instead?
You sure can. Add the chicken, mirepoix, spices, salt, and broth to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Quick release the steam. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, milk, and gnocchi. Use the Saute function to simmer for about 20 minutes to thicken. Stir in the bacon and spinach at the end.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon?
Beef bacon offers a distinct rich flavor, but turkey bacon works well too. It is a leaner option that still provides that salty crunch. Just keep an eye on it while frying as it has less fat and can burn quickly.
Is This Soup Dairy Free?
This recipe uses evaporated milk, which is dairy. To make it dairy free, you could try using full fat coconut milk or a plant based heavy cream alternative. Just be aware that coconut milk might impart a slight coconut flavor to the final dish.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This easy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers comforting flavors with a healthy twist. Enjoy a creamy, vegetable-packed meal featuring tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and savory beef bacon, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In your crockpot or Instant Pot Cooker, combine the chicken breasts, mirepoix, basil, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup in the crockpot. Add the evaporated milk and gnocchi.
- Increase the heat to high (if not already there) and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and the soup has thickened.
- While the soup finishes, cook the beef bacon in a cast iron skillet until crispy. Remove bacon, drain excess fat, then mince the garlic and sauté in the skillet for 1 minute until fragrant. Crumble the crispy bacon.
- Stir the fresh baby spinach into the soup until wilted. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For the best texture, ensure your crockpot is properly sealed during cooking.
To deepen the flavor of the mirepoix, you can quickly sauté it in a tablespoon of olive oil before adding it to the crockpot.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch slurry in the final steps.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes an excellent topping for this soup, adding an extra layer of savory flavor.
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