Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There is something about a rich creamy soup that brings me back to my childhood.  My mom used to make the best creamy chicken noodle soup.  I honestly haven't tried to duplicate hers as she did it off the top of her head. Some day I will have to try.  But until than try this creamy chicken soup.  If you don't like gnocchi try noodles.  But give the gnocchi a try I think you will like it.  I mean how bad can a potato dumpling be??

1 stick butter
1 small onion
2 celery stalks
2 carrots
1 tsp fresh garlic
1/2 cup flour
8 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp. white pepper
4 cups half and half
1 box (15 oz) potato gnocchi
4 cups cooked chicken breast*

Melt butter, saute onions, carrots, celery and fresh garlic.  Add flour.  (You want it to be thick and pasty looking.  Gradually add chicken broth.  Stir until thickened.  Add chicken and seasonings.   Add half and half.  Bring to a boil.  Let simmer for about an hour.  Add gnocchi. Turn down to medium and let gnocchi float to top.  Once gnocchi floats to top they should be done.  I generally try one of the gnocchi to make sure it is soft before serving.  You don't want to cook too long as they could get soggy. 

*Note:  If you are short on time just buy a rotisserie chicken or rotisserie chicken breast and cut it up.  Just make sure that you add the stock from the bottom of the package.  It just adds a little bit more chicken flavoring.