Instead of going with the normal Easter Ham I decided to make soup, salad and homemade breadsticks.

This Chicken and Gnocchi Soup turned out so yummy and made for a perfect Easter meal!

Olive Garden Style Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

• 3 -4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ carrot, shredded
• ¹⁄₂ onion, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• salt and pepper
• 16 ounces potato gnocchi
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

Directions

1. Saute the onion, celery, garlic, carrot in oil over medium heat until onion is translucent.
2. Add chicken, chicken stock, half and half, salt and pepper, thyme. Heat to boiling, then add gnocchi. Gently boil for 4 minutes, then turn down to a simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
4. (Heat to boiling and add cornstarch dissolved in 1-2 Tbsp. water at this point if you want a thicker soup.).
5. Ladle into bowls and serve!

Don’t forget your homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks.