Chicken and Gnocchi, Olive Garden style!

Recently, I was asked how I made my Chicken and Gnocchi Olive Garden style, and so I thought I would write a blog on how to! Since fall is in full swing, in my opinion, soups are the best way to warm you up! Soups also provides the necessary nutrition in order to keep you from getting sick during the cool months! This particular soup is very wholesome and healthy! I hope y'all enjoy this yummy soup as much as my family and I did!

1/2 stick butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup  diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
2 Tbsp of minced garlic
1/4 cup flour
1 quart half-and-half cream
2 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth
Salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 cup finely shredded carrots
1 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves
1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
1 (16-ounce/500g) package ready-to-use gnocchi (I found mine at Wal-Mart in the pasta section.)

Melt the butter into the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Whisk in the half-and-half. Simmer until thickened. Whisk in the chicken broth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, the thyme, parsley, carrots (best if ran over a cheese grater to shred), spinach, chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer on medium heat until the soup is heated through. Before serving, season with additional salt, if necessary.

~Enjoy!~