Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onion, celery and carrot, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in chicken stock and deglaze (making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to release any caramelized bits). Add thyme sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. Stir in half and half, and bring the mixture to a boil again. Remove thyme sprigs. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add chicken and gnocchi, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook gnocchi according to the time on the package, or until just tender/firm. Add spinach and cook until just wilted. Ladle into bowls and serve.