Some evenings call for something more than just dinner. You want comfort, warmth, and a bowl you can cradle in your hands while the steam rises and the kitchen smells incredible. That’s exactly what Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers. It’s creamy without being heavy, hearty without taking hours, and deeply satisfying in a way that feels homemade — even when you start with store-bought rotisserie chicken.
If you’ve ever wished for a cozy soup that doesn’t require roasting a whole chicken first, this recipe solves that problem beautifully. If you love comforting bowls like this, you might also enjoy this creamy chicken noodle soup that delivers the same cozy satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This soup checks every box for a reliable weeknight favorite.
- Quick prep: Rotisserie chicken saves time.
- One-pot meal: Fewer dishes to wash.
- Creamy and filling: Gnocchi adds satisfying texture.
- Family-friendly: Mild, comforting flavors.
- Great for meal prep: the flavors are even better the following day.
Rotisserie chicken remains one of the most convenient grocery staples because it’s fully cooked, flavorful, and ready to use. Pair it with pillowy gnocchi and a creamy broth, and you have a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. It has the same rich, comforting depth you’ll find in this popular marry me chicken soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need complicated ingredients to build rich flavor.
Soup Base Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi both work well. Just check package cooking times, as they typically cook in 2–4 minutes.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This recipe follows a simple, logical flow that builds flavor step by step.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery.
- Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
This step builds the foundation of flavor. Don’t rush it.
Build the Broth
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Add Italian seasoning and thyme.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
Allow the vegetables to soften fully so the broth absorbs their sweetness.
Add Chicken and Gnocchi
- Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Add gnocchi.
- Simmer until gnocchi float to the surface.
Floating gnocchi are your cue that they’re done. Overcooking can make them mushy.
Finish with Cream
- Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in cream.
- Add spinach if using.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Avoid boiling once cream is added. Low, steady heat helps avoid curdling and keeps the texture smooth.
Tips for the Best Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Small adjustments can elevate your results.
Texture Tips
- Cook gnocchi just until tender.
- Simmer gently after adding dairy.
- If the soup becomes overly thick, stir in a bit of broth to thin it out.
Gnocchi naturally release starch, which thickens the soup slightly.
Flavor Tips
- Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for deeper flavor.
- Stir in fresh parsley right before serving.
- Taste before adding extra salt — rotisserie chicken is already seasoned.
Layering flavor gradually makes a noticeable difference.
Variations of Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
One of the strengths of this recipe is flexibility.
Healthy Version
- Use light cream or whole milk.
- Increase vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Choose low-sodium broth.
Dairy-Free Option
- Swap cream for unsweetened coconut milk.
- Omit Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Slow Cooker Version
- Add vegetables, broth, seasonings, and chicken.
- Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cream during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Instant Pot Version
- Use sauté mode for vegetables.
- Pour in the broth, add the chicken, and pressure cook for five minutes.
- Stir in gnocchi and cream after releasing pressure.
These options allow you to adapt the soup to your schedule. If you’re in the mood for another hearty, creamy bowl, try this creamy lasagna soup for a pasta-inspired twist.
What to Serve with Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Because the soup is creamy and filling, pairing it with lighter or crisp textures works best.
- Crusty artisan bread
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- You can also pair this soup with something heartier like this comforting chicken orzo casserole for a full family-style dinner.
A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps offset the richness.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration
Store Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing
Cream-based soups can separate when frozen. For best results:
- Freeze before adding cream and gnocchi.
- Add fresh gnocchi and cream when reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Warm gently on the stovetop.
- Add a splash of broth if thickened.
- Avoid boiling.
Reheating slowly preserves texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple soups benefit from attention to detail.
- Boiling after adding cream
- Overcooking gnocchi
- Adding too much salt early
- Skipping the vegetable sauté step
- Letting soup sit uncovered too long while simmering
These small missteps can affect texture and taste.
FAQs
Can you freeze Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Yes, but freeze without cream and gnocchi for best texture. Add them fresh when reheating.
How do you thicken Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Let it simmer slightly longer or add a small cornstarch slurry.
Can you use homemade gnocchi in Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Absolutely. Just monitor cooking time carefully.
How long does Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days when stored properly.
Is Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup healthy?
It can be. Using lighter dairy and adding extra vegetables makes it more balanced.
Conclusion
Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup offers everything you want in a comforting meal: creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft gnocchi that make every spoonful satisfying. You save time by using rotisserie chicken, yet the result tastes as though you simmered it all afternoon.
Now it’s your turn to bring this cozy classic into your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, simmer gently, and serve a bowl that feels like comfort in its purest form. If you enjoy easy, hearty dinners like this, save the recipe and share it with someone who could use a warm, homemade meal tonight.
Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup carrots sliced
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cups fresh spinach or kale
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add chicken and gnocchi: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken and gnocchi. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
- Add cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add spinach (if using) and cook until wilted.
- Season and serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Gnocchi cook quickly; remove from heat once tender.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
