Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper, then sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll want to cook them until they become soft and translucent, with the onions turning a light golden color.

Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute. The garlic will release its aromatic flavor, infusing the vegetables with a warm, savory aroma. At this point, your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Step 2: Add the Herbs Once the vegetables are softened and fragrant, it’s time to add the thyme and sage. These herbs will infuse the soup with a deep, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy broth. Continue to sauté for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their oils and aromas.

Step 3: Create the Roux Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir the flour into the mixture to create a roux, which will help thicken the soup. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the flour. You want to cook out the raw flavor of the flour while still maintaining its thickening properties.

Step 4: Add the Stock Next, whisk in the chicken stock gradually, stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. The stock will blend with the roux to create a smooth, rich base for the soup. Once the stock is fully incorporated, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.

Step 5: Stir in the Milk and Chicken Once the soup has thickened, stir in the whole milk. The milk will make the soup creamy and velvety, adding to the comforting texture. Now it’s time to add the shredded chicken. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, make sure the chicken is fully shredded to ensure it integrates well into the soup. Stir the chicken into the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Add the Gnocchi Finally, stir in the gnocchi and continue to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the gnocchi are cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they begin to float to the top of the soup. The gnocchi will absorb the flavors of the broth and become soft and tender, creating the perfect addition to the creamy base. Taste the soup one last time and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve it hot. You can garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that this delicious soup brings.