Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
There is a particular kind of magic in a bowl of soup that manages to be both deeply comforting and incredibly quick to prepare. This Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is exactly that—a hearty and creamy hug in a bowl, ready in mere minutes. Imagine tender pillowy gnocchi, savory shreds of rotisserie chicken, and vibrant spinach swirled in a rich, velvety broth infused with garlic, thyme, and a touch of sun-dried tomato. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers the soul-soothing satisfaction of a soup that simmered all day, without the wait. This recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or any time you need a nourishing, flavorful meal that demands minimal effort for maximum reward.
**Perfect for:**
* Busy Weeknight Dinners
* Cozy Rainy or Snowy Days
* Quick Lunch Meal Prep
* When You’re Feeling Under the Weather
* Using Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
**Why You’ll Love This Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe**
**30-Minute Miracle:** From start to finish, this soup is on the table in half an hour. Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shelf-stable gnocchi eliminates the most time-consuming steps, making gourmet comfort food genuinely accessible any night of the week.
**One-Pot Wonder:** Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven or large pot. This means incredible flavor development with minimal cleanup, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
**Endlessly Adaptable:** This soup is a fantastic template. Easily swap the vegetables, adjust the creaminess, or change up the herbs based on what you have on hand. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity.
**Comfort in a Bowl:** The combination of creamy broth, soft gnocchi, and hearty chicken creates a texture and flavor profile that is universally satisfying. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm blanket.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Preparation Time:** 10 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 20 minutes
**Servings:** 6 servings
**Calories per serving:** Approximately 380-420 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
* **Calories:** 380-420 kcal
* **Protein:** 22g
* **Carbohydrates:** 35g
* **Fat:** 18g
* **Fiber:** 3g
* **Sugar:** 4g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 stalks celery, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or dry)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
* 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi
* 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 1 whole chicken)
* 4 cups fresh baby spinach
* 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
**1. Sauté the Aromatics:**
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 6-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
**2. Create the Roux:**
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This will create a thick paste (a roux) that will thicken the soup.
**3. Build the Broth:**
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to ensure the roux dissolves smoothly and no lumps form. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
**4. Cook the Gnocchi:**
Add the entire package of gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
**5. Finish the Soup:**
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Warm through gently—do not boil. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
**6. Serve Immediately:**
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
**How to Serve Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup**
* **As a Complete Main Course:** This soup is substantial enough to stand alone. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
* **With a Fresh Salad:** Pair it with a simple arugula or Caesar salad dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
* **Topped for Extra Flavor:** Offer extra toppings like red pepper flakes, fresh cracked black pepper, a drizzle of good olive oil, or extra sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Perfect for a Casual Gathering:** Double the recipe and serve it straight from the pot for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal during game day or a family get-together.
**Additional Tips for Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup**
* For a richer flavor base, you can use the leftover carcass from the rotisserie chicken to make a quick broth, or add a spoonful of chicken bouillon paste to the store-bought broth.
* To prevent a greasy soup, remove the skin from the rotisserie chicken before shredding the meat.
* Add the cream at the very end and avoid bringing the soup to a rolling boil afterward to prevent the cream from curdling or separating.
**Recipe Variations of Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup**
* **Vegetable-Packed Version:** Add 1 cup of frozen peas or corn, or diced zucchini, with the spinach. Use vegetable broth and substitute the chicken with two cans of drained and rinsed white beans for a vegetarian option.
* **Spicy Version:** Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Stir in 1 cup of diced roasted poblano peppers for a deeper, smoky heat.
* **Lighter Version:** Substitute the heavy cream with 2% milk or evaporated milk for a lighter, yet still creamy, texture. The soup will be slightly less rich but equally delicious.
**Freezing and Storage for Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup**
**Storage:** Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.
**Freezing:** Freezing is possible but with a caveat. The gnocchi may become slightly mushy upon thawing and reheating. For best results, freeze the soup base (broth, vegetables, chicken) without the gnocchi and cream. Thaw overnight, reheat, then cook fresh gnocchi directly in the soup and stir in the cream before serving.
**FAQ Section about Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup**
**Can I use fresh or frozen gnocchi instead?**
Yes, you can. If using fresh refrigerated gnocchi, add them as directed; they may cook a minute faster. For frozen gnocchi, add them directly to the simmering broth—no need to thaw—and cook until they float.
**My soup is too thick. How can I thin it?**
Simply stir in additional chicken broth, ¼ cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
**Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
Absolutely. Sauté the vegetables as directed in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the broth, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the gnocchi, spinach, and cream.
**Conclusion of Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe**
This Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable strategy for delivering profound comfort with pragmatic ease. It transforms a few simple, store-bought staples into a meal that feels lovingly made from scratch. The creamy texture, the savory chicken, and the delightful chew of the gnocchi come together in a harmony that is guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re seeking a quick dinner solution or a bowl of warmth on a cold day, this soup is poised to become a regular in your kitchen rotation. Grab a rotisserie chicken and a pot—a deeply satisfying dinner is just 30 minutes away.