Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi is a comforting, hearty meal that combines tender pieces of rotisserie chicken with pillowy gnocchi, enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping, as it’s both quick and indulgent. Unlike recipes that require cooking chicken from scratch, using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.

SAVE IT!

The beauty of this recipe is its balance: soft gnocchi, tender chicken, and a sauce that’s creamy without being heavy. You can customize it with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas, and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. It’s simple enough for beginners but rich and satisfying enough to impress guests.

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses common, easily accessible ingredients, most of which are pantry staples.

For the Gnocchi

• 1 pound store-bought potato gnocchi

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing

For the Chicken

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Add-ins

• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparing the Ingredients

Begin by shredding the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and prepare any optional vegetables you plan to include. Having all ingredients prepped ensures a smooth cooking process.

Boil the gnocchi according to package instructions, typically until they float to the surface, indicating they are fully cooked. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Sautéing Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This step forms the flavor foundation for the sauce.

Adding Cream and Broth

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth gradually, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. This gives the cream time to thicken slightly and absorb the flavors of the garlic and onion.

Incorporating Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Combining Chicken and Gnocchi

Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to heat through, about 3–5 minutes. Then, gently fold in the cooked gnocchi, making sure each piece is fully coated with the creamy sauce.

Adding Optional Vegetables

If using spinach, kale, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, add them at this stage. Cook until vegetables are tender and spinach or kale is wilted. This adds color, nutrients, and additional flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Variations of Rotisserie Chicken Gnocchi

One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or what’s available in your pantry.

Spicy Version

For those who enjoy heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. Stir carefully and taste as you go to prevent overwhelming the creamy base. A spicy Buffalo-style gnocchi is also a great variation for game-day meals.

Cheesy Variations

Parmesan cheese is classic, but you can experiment with other types. Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even mozzarella can add unique textures and flavors. For extra richness, fold in a handful of shredded cheddar at the end of cooking. Vegan or dairy-free options can use plant-based cheese and cream substitutes without sacrificing flavor.

Protein Substitutions

Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but you can use leftover cooked chicken, turkey, or even shredded pork. For a vegetarian version, omit meat entirely and add more vegetables such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. For seafood enthusiasts, shrimp can be a fun substitute, though cooking time may need to be adjusted.

Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Options

Use cauliflower gnocchi or other gluten-free gnocchi to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. You can also use heavy cream alternatives or plant-based butter for lower calorie or dairy-free options.

Advanced Techniques for a Restaurant-Quality Dish

Achieving Perfectly Creamy Sauce

Cream sauces can sometimes split or become too thick. To prevent this, always simmer gently over medium-low heat and stir frequently. Adding cheese gradually and ensuring it melts fully before serving keeps the sauce silky.

Layering Flavors

For a richer taste, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after sautéing onions and garlic. Let it reduce slightly before adding cream and broth. Herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary can also enhance the depth of flavor.

Gnocchi Cooking Tips

Fresh gnocchi cooks quickly, often in just a few minutes. Overcooking can make them mushy. Gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface. Drain immediately and toss with a small amount of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Vegetable Integration

Sautéing vegetables separately before adding them to the sauce can help maintain texture and prevent excess moisture from diluting the creaminess. Spinach and kale wilt quickly and can be stirred directly into the sauce at the last minute. Mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers benefit from a few minutes of pre-sautéing to enhance their natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Prep Chicken and Vegetables

Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop onion, mince garlic, and prepare any optional vegetables. Measure out cheese, cream, and broth for quick access. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Cook Gnocchi

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add gnocchi and cook until they float, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and toss with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, then add garlic and sauté briefly. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Aromatics form the flavor base for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Slowly add heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring constantly. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Gnocchi

Add shredded chicken to the sauce, stirring to combine and heat through. Fold in cooked gnocchi gently, ensuring each piece is coated with creamy sauce.

Step 6: Add Optional Vegetables

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until vegetables are tender and spinach or kale is wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Plate the gnocchi hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.