A bubbling pot of creamy, savory soup loaded with tender gnocchi, shredded rotisserie chicken, and fresh vegetables – that’s what awaits you with this Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort in a bowl, ready in under an hour, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. So, grab that store-bought chicken, and let’s make some magic together!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (17.6 ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is the foundation for our amazing flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 2: Build the Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step really brings out that cozy, comforting essence we’re after.
Step 3: Add the Gnocchi and Chicken
- Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Using rotisserie chicken is a HUGE time-saver, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
Step 4: Creamy Perfection
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, but do not boil. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle, and we want a silky smooth soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty and delicious soup!
Why Rotisserie Chicken is Your New Best Friend
I *love* using rotisserie chicken in recipes like this because it’s such a time-saver! It’s already cooked and seasoned, which means you can skip a major step in the cooking process. Plus, it adds a ton of flavor to the soup. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use different flavor combinations of rotisserie chicken too!
Variations to Make It Your Own
Soup is so versatile, and this Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is no exception. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking until they’re tender.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter version. You can also use pre-cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken.
- Change the Cheese: Try using Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Add a Squeeze of Lemon: A little bit of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty touch.
Perfect Pairings
This Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic combination! A grilled cheese sandwich is always a welcome addition to any soup meal.
Tips and Tricks for Soup Success
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi can become gummy if overcooked, so keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they float.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt and pepper are your best friends!
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight!
- Freeze for Later: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Use Quality Broth: The better the quality of the broth, the better the soup will taste. Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought broth works well too.
Easy Comfort Soup for Fall Easy Recipes Dinners
As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a little crisper, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of soup. This Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the perfect Easy Comfort Soup to transition into those Fall Easy Recipes Dinners. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, thanks to the convenience of rotisserie chicken. It will quickly become a family favorite when you’re looking for Fall And Winter Dinner Recipes.
More Delicious Soup Recipes to Explore
If you’re a soup lover like me, you’ll want to check out these other amazing recipes! You might enjoy a hearty Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup, a comforting Lasagna Soup Recipe, or even a flavorful Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup. For a fun twist, try the Chicken Pot Pie Soup or the Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup. And if you’re already a fan of gnocchi, you’ll absolutely love the Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup! There’s a soup for every craving, I promise!
Conclusion
This Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and get ready to create a soup that will warm your heart and soul. Happy cooking, my friend!
How can I make this Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup even faster?
The recipe already utilizes rotisserie chicken to save time. You can further expedite the process by prepping the vegetables in advance or using pre-diced vegetables.
Can I freeze this soup for later?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What are some variations I can make to customize this soup?
You can add other vegetables like spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini. For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce. You can also use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, or try different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
Why is rotisserie chicken recommended for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is recommended because it’s a time-saver. It’s already cooked and seasoned, which means you can skip a major step in the cooking process and it adds a ton of flavor to the soup.
Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup Easy
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
- Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, but do not boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.