Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

I have now made 3 of the 4 copycat soup recipes from the Olive Garden. Our favorite hands down has to be the Zuppa Toscana, but the Pasta e Fagioli was mighty tasty as well :)

I was worried that my hubby wasn't going to be a fan of this one, but was pleasantly surprised to see how much he did like it.  Serve it up with some yummy bread and enjoy!

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1 cup chicken breasts, cooked and diced 
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 quart half and half
1  can chicken broth
1 cup celery, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup carrots, finely shredded
1 onion, finely diced
1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin oil
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon parsley
Freshly grated parmesan cheese  (when serving)
1 pound potato gnocchi 

Sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in the butter and olive oil, over medium heat when the onion becomes translucent.  Add the flour to make a roux. Let the butter and flour mixture cook for a minute before adding the half and half. Then add chicken. Once the mixture becomes thick add the chicken broth. Once the mixture thickens again, add the gnocchi, spinach, and seasonings, simmer until the gnocchi is cooked (maybe five to ten minutes). Top with parm and enjoy!

Recipe Source:  Our Family Treat