Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup celery
• 1 cup carrots (shredded or chopped)
• 1 medium sweet onion (finely chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound chicken breast (cooked and chopped)
• 1 package potato gnocchi ((16 ounces))
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups spinach
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves ((see notes for dried or ground thyme))
• Salt & pepper to taste

Steps

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter.
2. Add celery, carrots, onion, and garlic, and saute until tender, about 8 minutes.
3. When vegetables are tender, stir in flour. Allow flour to heat through, about 2 minutes.
4. Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
5. Add chicken and bring mixture to a boil.
6. Add gnocchi, and cook until done, about 5 minutes (check package instructions for precise time).
7. Lower heat to medium-low. Add cream, and stir to combine. Heat to steaming, but not boiling.
8. Stir in spinach, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Allow spinach to wilt and soup to totally cook through.