Ingredients

• 1/2  cup chopped red sweet pepper
• 1/4  cup butter or margarine
• 1/2  cup all-purpose flour
• 6  cups chicken broth or stock
• 1  10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 2  cups chopped, cooked chicken
• 1/4  teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1  cup half-and-half or light cream
•   Star-shaped croutons (optional)*

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook the red sweet pepper in butter or margarine for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in flour. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth or stock. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly.

2. Add the spinach, chicken, and nutmeg. Stir in half-and-half. Heat through. Top with croutons, if you like. Makes 6 main-dish servings.

Nutrition Note: You can lower the sodium by using reduced-sodium chicken broth.

*Note: To make the star-shaped croutons, use a 1-inch cutter and cut out shapes from sliced bread. Brush with melted butter. Toast in a 350 degree F oven 6 to 8 minutes, turning once.