Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup cooks chicken breasts with onion, garlic, bay leaf, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth in a slow cooker, which gently infuses the broth and the poultry with herbaceous and aromatic flavors. Once the chicken is fully cooked, it is shredded and reintegrated with chopped kale, gnocchi, heavy cream, and prepared pesto. The gentle simmering continues until the gnocchi are tender and the kale is wilted, creating a smooth creamy soup with tender poultry and soft gnocchi bits.

The herbs and pesto provide earthy, aromatic depth while the heavy cream adds richness. The kale contributes texture and mild bitterness, balancing the creaminess. Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes offer a salty and mild spicy garnish, enhancing umami and heat.

Serve this soup as a comforting main meal or alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth. It’s filling and textured, suitable for cooler weather or when a hearty, creamy soup is desired.

Curly kale is recommended, but tougher varieties like Lacinato (dinosaur) kale also work well. Preparing the soup in stages—cooking chicken and broth first, then adding greens and gnocchi—ensures each ingredient is cooked to its ideal texture without overcooking delicate components.