Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink, 6 to 7 minutes.
Add the celery, carrots, and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 10 minutes.
Add the garlic; cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the flour, thyme and pepper; stir to combine. Cook for several minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add the chicken broth, Better than Bouillon. Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat, until thickened and bubbly. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the celery and carrots are totally softened, about 30 minutes.
Remove the cover. Add the gnocchi; cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the gnocchi starts to float to the top of the soup.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the half and half and cook until warmed through.
If necessary, correct the seasonings. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Yield: 6 servings.