Creamy Spinach Soup

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 3/4 cup dry wine, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 (10 ounce) package fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 cups mozzarella-provolone cheese blend
• nutmeg, to taste
• salt, to taste
• pepper
• 1 -2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• seasoned croutons, for garnish (optional)

Recipe

• 1 in saucepan,cook chicken in stock, 1/2 cup of the wine, along with the onion, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper, just until done.
• 2 remove chicken; set aside both chicken and broth to cool.
• 3 when cooled, chop chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
• 4 in large soup pot, create a roux by melting butter and adding flour, whisking constantly to prevent burning; cook until it smells slightly "nutty."
• 5 slowly whisk in broth mixture, remaining 1/4 cup wine, milk, and half-and-half; simmer lightly until soup thickens slightly.
• 6 add cheese a handful at a time, making sure each addition is completely melted before adding more.
• 7 check for seasoning, add a pinch of nutmeg.
• 8 add chopped chicken and spinach; simmer until spinach is wilted, about 10 minutes.
• 9 stir in vinegar and serve with croutons.