Hello friends, Chef André here.
Some days call for a recipe that practically cooks itself—and this Classic Crock Pot Potato Gnocchi Soup is exactly that kind of comfort.
It’s rich, creamy, and hearty without feeling heavy, made with tender potato gnocchi, soft vegetables, and a velvety broth that slowly comes together while you go about your day. This is the soup I turn to when I want something warm and familiar waiting for me at dinner time.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or feeding a hungry family with minimal effort.
Why This Crock Pot Gnocchi Soup Works So Well
This soup is a favorite because it’s:
- Made entirely in the slow cooker
- Creamy and comforting without being fussy
- Filling enough to be a full meal
- Great for family dinners and gatherings
- Even better the next day
It’s simple food, done patiently.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, diced small
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup milk or light cream
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Notes from Chef André
- Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work
- Dice potatoes small so they cook evenly
- Spinach keeps things light, kale adds more body
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly.
Step 2
Transfer onion and garlic to the crock pot.
Add potatoes, carrots, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
Step 4
Stir in milk, gnocchi, and spinach.
Cover and cook an additional 20–30 minutes, until gnocchi are tender.
Step 5
Stir in Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.
Serve warm.
Chef André’s Tips for the Best Gnocchi Soup
- Add gnocchi at the end so they don’t overcook
- Stir gently—gnocchi are tender
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother texture
- If soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth
Slow cooking does the heavy lifting here.
Easy Variations to Try
- Add mushrooms for deeper flavor
- Use half-and-half for extra richness
- Add Italian seasoning for a herbier note
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil before serving
What to Serve with Potato Gnocchi Soup
This soup pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty bread or rolls
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic toast
A cozy, complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on the stove
- Add broth if soup thickens
Freezing is not recommended due to gnocchi texture.
FAQ – Classic Crock Pot Potato Gnocchi Soup
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable broth.
Can I add protein?
Cooked chicken or turkey can be added at the end.
Is this soup very thick?
Creamy but spoonable—adjust liquid as needed.
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: ~430 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
Values vary depending on dairy used.
Final Words from Chef André
This Classic Crock Pot Potato Gnocchi Soup is the kind of recipe that makes slow cookers worth loving. Cozy, creamy, and incredibly comforting, it’s perfect when you want dinner to feel warm and effortless.
If you try it, let me know how your family enjoyed it.
For food safety tips when using slow cookers and leftovers, visit USDA Food Safety:
https://www.usda.gov/food-safety
Chef André 👨🍳