There’s something magical about walking through my front door on a chilly evening, knowing that a steaming bowl of homemade soup awaits. My Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe was born on one such evening when the wind howled outside my Chicago apartment. I had a store-bought rotisserie chicken in the fridge and a package of gnocchi in the pantry. With a few vegetables and some broth, I created what has become my family’s most requested comfort meal.

This soup reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen – warm, inviting, and full of love. She taught me that the best recipes often come from improvisation and using what you have. The beauty of this Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is that it tastes like it simmered all day, but it comes together in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup isn’t just delicious—it’s a game-changer for your weekly menu. Here’s why:

• Time-saving: Uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought gnocchi
• Versatile: Easy to customize with seasonal vegetables
• Meal-prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day
• One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup required
• Restaurant quality: Rivals your favorite Italian bistro’s soup
• Budget-friendly: Makes the most of a rotisserie chicken
• Family approved: Creamy, hearty, and satisfying for all ages

The pillowy gnocchi absorb the rich flavors of the broth while the rotisserie chicken adds depth without hours of simmering. It’s the perfect balance of convenience and homemade goodness.

Ingredients for Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup

For the Base:

• 1 store-bought rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded (about 3 cups)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 bay leaves

For the Creamy Finish:

• 1 package (16 oz) shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Ingredients

1. Prep the rotisserie chicken: Remove all meat from the chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Prep the vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch). This classic mixture, known as mirepoix, forms the flavor base of our soup.
3. Mince the garlic: Finely mince or press the garlic cloves and set aside.

Building the Soup Base

1. Start the soup: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.
2. Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Create a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken your soup.
5. Add broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the bay leaves.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Finishing Your Soup

1. Add the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
2. Incorporate chicken: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and allow it to warm through, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the finishing touches: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts.
4. Season and garnish: Remove the bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the lemon juice for brightness. Stir in the fresh parsley.
5. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Pro Tips

• Save the bones: Don’t discard your rotisserie chicken carcass! Place it in a freezer bag and save it for homemade stock another day.
• Gnocchi tip: If you’re planning on leftovers, consider cooking and storing the gnocchi separately to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid.
• Make ahead: The soup base (without cream, gnocchi, or spinach) can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Add the remaining ingredients when reheating.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour to 3 tablespoons or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) at the end.

Tasty Variations

• Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream.
• Vegetable boost: Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Herb garden: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Spicy kick: Add a diced jalapeño with the vegetables or increase the red pepper flakes.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Use gluten-free flour and ensure your gnocchi is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm garlic bread or sourdough for dipping
• Simple salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Wine pairing: A glass of Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy broth

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories: 425 per serving
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg (varies based on broth used)

Warm Your Soul with Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s something truly special about a homemade soup that combines convenience with comfort. This Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup has become my signature dish for a reason – it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

When life gets hectic, this recipe is my secret weapon. I’ve made it for new parents, sick friends, and potluck dinners. Each time, people ask for the recipe, amazed that something so delicious could be so simple.

Remember, cooking is about making something with love, not perfection. If your carrots are a bit bigger or you have kale instead of spinach, that’s perfectly fine. The beauty of this soup is its forgiving nature and adaptability.

So the next time you pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, grab some gnocchi too. In just 30 minutes, you’ll transform these simple ingredients into a bowl of comfort that will warm both body and soul. Your family will think you’ve been cooking all day – and I promise your secret is safe with me.