Olive Garden Chicken & Gnocchi Soup

1 cup diced chicken
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups evaporated milk
½ cup celery, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
½ cup carrots, finely shredded
½ cup onion, finely diced
1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin oil
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon parsley
Freshly grated parmesan cheese – optional
1 pound potato gnocchi
1 tablespoon cornstarch - optional*
 
Sauté the onion, celery, garlic, spinach, carrots in the olive oil till the onion is nearly translucent. Add the chicken, chicken broth, and spices. Bring to a boil. Slowly add the gnocchi into the boiling broth. Turn down the heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes.  Add milk and allow mixture to come to a boil and then turn off heat.  *For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch into the milk before you add it into the broth. 

Top with grated parmesean cheese before serving, if desired.