Ingredients:

1⁄4 cup chopped sweet onion

3 large garlic cloves, minced (1/2 tbls)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1⁄4 cup light butter

3⁄4 cup flour, divided

4 cups chicken broth

1-quart fat-free half-and-half

1 1⁄2 cups reduced-fat parmesan cheese, cheese topping

2 cups water

16 ounces broccoli florets, prepared

3 cups boneless chicken breasts, cooked and diced

1⁄4 teaspoon white pepper (to taste)

1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

1 dash nutmeg (optional)

6 ounces farfalle bow tie pasta, cooked according to package directions

Directions:

1. In a heavy stockpot over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Add light butter and 1/4 cup flour and cook, stirring, for another 2-3 minutes until bubbly. Add remaining 1/2 cup of flour to a small amount of chicken broth and stir to remove lumps.

2. Gradually whisk in flour and broth combo, plus remaining chicken broth and half & half; cook, stirring frequently, until thickened.

3. Meanwhile, steam broccoli or cook broccoli in a separate pan with 2 cups of water just until form and not soft. Remove from heat and do not drain cooking water from broccoli.

4. Add Parmesan cheese topping to soup-base in stockpot; cook over low heat, stirring, just until cheese is melted; add steamed broccoli and 2 cups of water (or cooked broccoli along with its cooking water), chicken, seasonings, and bow tie pasta to the stockpot; heat through.

Bon Appetit!