When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm, hearty bowl of soup. But this isn’t your average chicken noodle – it’s Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a comforting classic with a delightful twist. Made with juicy rotisserie chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a flavorful broth, this soup is the perfect way to cozy up on a cool evening.
What sets this recipe apart is the combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, savory broth that’s bursting with herbs and spices. The rotisserie chicken adds a deep, roasted flavor that elevates the entire dish, while the gnocchi provides a unique and satisfying texture. And the best part? This soup comes together in a flash, making it an easy, weeknight-friendly option that the whole family will love.
What Sets This Amazing Recipe Apart?
Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a game-changer for a few key reasons. First, the use of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time and infuses the broth with an incredible depth of flavor. Instead of boiling and shredding plain chicken breasts, you get the rich, caramelized notes of a rotisserie bird – no work required.
Secondly, the addition of pillowy gnocchi transforms this from a standard chicken soup into a truly hearty, comforting meal. The soft, potato-based dumplings add a wonderfully satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken and vegetables. It’s a unique twist that elevates the dish to something truly special.
Ingredients
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (16 oz) package shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)
The key to this soup’s flavor is the combination of herbs and spices. The dried thyme and oregano add an earthy, fragrant note that perfectly complements the chicken and gnocchi. And don’t forget the salt and pepper – they’re essential for bringing all the flavors together. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste.
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and float to the top of the pot.
- Stir in the Chicken and Seasonings: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Spinach (Optional): If using, add the fresh baby spinach to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.
• Protein: 24 g
• Sodium: 734 mg
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
Easy Ingredient Swaps That Still Work
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the rotisserie chicken with cubed, sautéed tofu or plant-based meat alternative. Use a dairy-free gnocchi, and omit the spinach if desired.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce during the final simmering step.
Creative Serving Ideas for This Recipe
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of pesto, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives.
• Beverage Pairing: This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a crisp, refreshing iced tea.
Critical Do’s and Don’ts for This Recipe
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the chicken broth, are at room temperature before adding them to the pot. Cold ingredients can shock the pot and disrupt the cooking process, leading to an uneven texture and temperature in the final soup.
• Mistake 3 – Not Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning: Be sure to taste the soup at the end and adjust the seasoning as needed. The amount of salt and pepper required can vary depending on the saltiness of the broth and the personal preferences of the cook. Don’t be afraid to add a little more to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
A Guide to Storing for Later
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply place it in a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and steaming. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, checking and stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Absolutely! Fresh gnocchi will work wonderfully in this soup. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly shorter, as fresh gnocchi tends to cook more quickly than the shelf-stable variety. Start checking the gnocchi after 2-3 minutes of simmering and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is a great make-ahead option. Simply prepare the soup according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator or freezer. When ready to serve, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors will only become more developed over time.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?
You can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Simply poach the chicken in the broth until cooked through, then shred or dice it before adding it to the soup. Keep in mind that the rotisserie chicken adds a unique depth of flavor that you may miss with plain chicken breasts. You may want to add an extra pinch of herbs or spices to compensate.
Can I use a different type of gnocchi, like sweet potato or spinach?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of gnocchi, such as sweet potato or spinach. Each variety will add its own unique flavor and texture to the soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as some specialty gnocchi may have slightly different cooking requirements.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this soup dairy-free. Simply omit the optional Parmesan cheese garnish and use a dairy-free or vegan gnocchi instead of the traditional variety. The soup will still be creamy and delicious without any dairy products.
Ready to Create Something Amazing?
With its comforting flavors, easy preparation, and incredible versatility, Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to warm the soul and delight the senses. So grab your spoon, dive in, and experience the magic of this flavorful and satisfying soup. Bon appétit!
Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup: A Comforting Classic with a Twist
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and float to the top of the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- If using, add the fresh baby spinach to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted.
- Ladle the hot Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
