Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Introduction

Few things warm the soul like a steaming bowl of creamy chicken soup on a chilly day. Now imagine combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fragrant herbs, and a luscious Parmesan cream base that’s exactly what you get with this Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

This soup takes inspiration from classic Italian flavors and transforms them into a hearty one-pot meal that feels gourmet yet is incredibly simple to prepare. By starting with a store-bought rotisserie chicken, you get all the comfort of homemade soup without the hours of cooking time. The result? A silky, rich broth infused with garlic, thyme, and Parmesan, dotted with fresh spinach and chewy gnocchi dumplings that soak up every drop of flavor.

It’s the kind of meal that can be served for Sunday supper with crusty bread, but it’s also quick enough for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it makes excellent leftovers perfect for cozy lunches the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weeknight-friendly – Ready in under an hour with the help of rotisserie chicken.
• Creamy and satisfying – A comforting soup with a silky Parmesan cream base.
• Restaurant-quality flavors – Tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian café.
• One-pot wonder – Easy cleanup and minimal dishes.
• Customizable – Swap in different greens, proteins, or gnocchi varieties.
• Family-approved – Kids and adults alike love its mild, creamy flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Base & Aromatics

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
• 1 tablespoon regular olive oil – Prevents butter from burning and adds depth.
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion – A classic soup base for flavor.
• ¾ cup shredded carrots – Sweetness and color.
• ½ cup thinly sliced or diced celery – Earthy flavor and crunch.
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced (2–3 teaspoons) – A savory punch that infuses the broth.

Deglaze & Thickener

• ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) – Adds acidity and complexity. Can substitute chicken broth.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Forms a roux for thickening.

Soup Base

• 4 cups chicken stock or broth (low sodium) – The backbone of the soup. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• 2 cups half-and-half, warmed – Creamy richness without being too heavy.

Seasonings

• 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves – Bright, woodsy aroma.
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – A mix of oregano, basil, rosemary, and more.
• ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg (optional) – Subtle warmth that enhances the creaminess.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper – To taste, balance is key.

Add-Ins

• 1 pound potato gnocchi (refrigerated or shelf-stable) – Tender dumplings that make the soup hearty.
• ½ to ¾ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano – Nutty, salty cheese that enriches the broth.
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (rotisserie) – Convenient, flavorful protein.
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves, roughly torn – Adds freshness and color.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Ladle
• Cutting board & chef’s knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cheese grater (for fresh Parmesan)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
• Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Deglaze with Wine

• Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pot.
• Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

3. Make the Roux

• Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw taste.

4. Build the Broth

• Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, ensuring no lumps remain.
• Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the warm half-and-half.

5. Season the Soup

• Add thyme, Italian seasoning, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

6. Cook the Gnocchi

• Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions (typically 3–5 minutes, until they float).

7. Add Cheese & Chicken

• Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
• Fold in the shredded chicken. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

8. Finish with Spinach

• Stir in the baby spinach just before serving. Let it wilt gently in the hot soup.

9. Taste & Adjust

• Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed.

10. Serve

• Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• No wine? – Replace with extra chicken broth.
• Dairy-free – Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
• Gluten-free – Swap flour for cornstarch slurry and use gluten-free gnocchi.
• Protein swap – Try leftover turkey, sausage, or even shrimp.
• Veggie boost – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas.
• Lighter version – Use whole milk instead of half-and-half.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Texture – Creamy, rich broth with chewy gnocchi, tender chicken, and fresh spinach.
• Flavor – Comforting, savory, with hints of garlic, thyme, Parmesan, and a touch of nutmeg.

Drink Pairings:

• Wine – Crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
• Non-alcoholic – Sparkling water with lemon or iced herbal tea.

Sides to Serve:

• Warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks.
• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Roasted asparagus or green beans.

Nutritional Overview (per serving, ~1/6 of recipe)

• Calories: ~430
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g

Varies depending on gnocchi and cheese brands.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep ahead – Chop veggies and shred chicken up to 2 days in advance.
• Storage – Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if thickened.
• Freezing – Freeze before adding spinach and gnocchi. Add them fresh when reheating.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, any cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works perfectly.

Q2: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Cook directly in the soup, adding an extra minute or two.

Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies or white beans for protein.

Q4: Can I thicken the soup more?
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) at the end.

Q5: Can I make this ahead for a crowd?
Yes—prepare the base ahead of time, then add gnocchi, chicken, and spinach just before serving.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep veggies & chicken	10 min
Sauté & build broth	15 min
Simmer & season	10 min
Add gnocchi & chicken	10 min
Finish with spinach	5 min
Total	~50 min

Serving Suggestions

• Ladle into large bowls, top with extra Parmesan shavings.
• Add a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Pair with warm crusty bread to soak up the broth.

Recipe Variations

1. Tuscan Gnocchi Soup – Add sun-dried tomatoes and swap spinach for kale.
2. Mushroom Gnocchi Soup – Use mushrooms instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist.
3. Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Add chili flakes or stir in Calabrian chili paste.
4. Lighter Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Use milk instead of cream and reduce Parmesan.

Ingredient Spotlight

Rotisserie Chicken

The secret to weeknight soup magic. Pre-cooked, juicy, and flavorful, it cuts down prep time drastically. Pro tip: save the bones to make homemade stock.

Potato Gnocchi

Soft, chewy dumplings that cook in minutes. Look for refrigerated or vacuum-packed gnocchi for best texture.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Warm the half-and-half before adding—it prevents curdling.
• Always grate Parmesan fresh—it melts smoother than pre-shredded.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they’re done as soon as they float.
• Add spinach last to preserve its vibrant green color.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator – Up to 3 days in sealed containers.
• Freezer – Best frozen without gnocchi or spinach. Add fresh when reheating.
• Reheating – Gently reheat on stove. Add broth or cream if too thick.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	430
Protein	28g
Carbs	40g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g

Expanded Conclusion

This Tasty Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is comfort food at its finest: creamy, hearty, and brimming with flavor. Thanks to rotisserie chicken and shelf-stable gnocchi, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent but is still weeknight-friendly. Whether you’re curled up on a rainy evening or hosting friends for a cozy dinner, this soup will impress without the stress.

It’s proof that with just a few clever shortcuts, you can bring restaurant-quality flavors to your own kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request from your family.

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