Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup: The Ultimate Cozy Meal

When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness, few recipes hit the spot like Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This rich and creamy soup combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables in a velvety broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this recipe not only delicious but also quick and convenient—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

The beauty of this recipe is its balance: the gnocchi adds a satisfying chew, the chicken brings depth and protein, and the vegetables add freshness. Plus, the creamy broth ties it all together into a meal that tastes like it simmered for hours, even though it comes together in about 30 minutes. If you’ve ever ordered Olive Garden’s chicken gnocchi soup, you’ll find this version just as cozy—but with the bonus of being homemade and even more flavorful.

Whether you’re feeding your family, looking for an easy dinner idea, or meal prepping for the week, Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a dish you’ll return to again and again. It’s comforting, hearty, and oh-so-simple—everything a great homemade soup should be.

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What Makes This Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup Special?

• Time-Saving Shortcut: Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves hours of cooking while still delivering rich flavor.

• Restaurant-Style Comfort: Creamy, cozy, and packed with tender gnocchi, it rivals Olive Garden’s famous version.

• One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup.

• Customizable: Add extra vegetables, swap in gluten-free gnocchi, or use different seasonings.

• Meal-Prep Friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner.

This recipe works because it balances convenience with homemade flavor. The rotisserie chicken provides depth without extra effort, and the gnocchi makes the soup feel hearty and filling in every bite.

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Ingredient Notes

• Rotisserie chicken: Already cooked and seasoned, saving time. You can substitute cooked shredded chicken breasts or thighs.

• Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi works best. Use shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade gnocchi. Gluten-free gnocchi is a great swap.

• Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can adjust the seasoning yourself.

• Heavy cream: Creates the creamy base. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or evaporated milk.

• Carrots, celery, onion: Classic soup vegetables that add sweetness and depth.

• Spinach: Adds freshness and color. Kale or Swiss chard also work.

• Olive oil & butter: For sautéing vegetables and building flavor.

• Garlic: Freshly minced for best flavor (powder can work in a pinch).

• Thyme: Dried or fresh adds earthy depth. Italian seasoning can be a substitute.

• Parmesan: Finishes the soup with nutty richness.

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How To Make Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1. Sauté vegetables
   Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Add garlic and seasonings
   Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Cook 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let the garlic burn).

3. Make the broth base
   Pour in 6 cups chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.

4. Add chicken and gnocchi
   Stir in 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken and 1 pound gnocchi. Reduce heat and simmer 4–5 minutes, until gnocchi float to the surface.

5. Make it creamy
   Pour in 1 cup heavy cream. Stir well and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Add greens and cheese
   Fold in 2 cups fresh spinach and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Stir until spinach wilts.

7. Finish and serve
   Taste and season with salt and pepper. Soup should be creamy, with tender vegetables and fluffy gnocchi. Serve hot with crusty bread.

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Storage Options

• Room temperature: Do not leave soup out longer than 2 hours.

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze without the gnocchi for best texture. Store up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if too thick.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.

• Use gluten-free gnocchi for a celiac-friendly version.

• Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.

• Replace cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Yes, but add them gently and simmer only until they float to avoid breaking apart.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half or evaporated milk works, though the soup will be slightly less rich.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but cook the gnocchi just before serving for best texture.

Why did my soup get too thick?
Gnocchi absorb liquid as they sit. Add more broth when reheating to thin it out.

Can I freeze the soup with gnocchi?
It’s best to freeze without gnocchi, then cook fresh gnocchi when reheating.

How can I make it lower in fat?
Use milk instead of cream and reduce Parmesan.

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Conclusion

Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is everything you want in a cozy dinner: hearty, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. With the shortcut of a rotisserie chicken, you can have comfort food on the table in under 30 minutes. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something warm and filling—you’ll be surprised at how quickly it becomes a family favorite.

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