Creamy Alfredo Clam Chowder

My recipe for New England-inspired clam chowder in a hearty Alfredo cream base, is delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  medium bay leaf
• 1 (8 ounce) bottle  clam juice
• 1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 (10 ounce) can baby clams, in juice
• 1 -2  tablespoon  crumbled  cooked bacon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme or 3⁄4 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  Old Bay Seasoning (up to 1/2 teaspoon)
• 1 (20 ounce) package  Simply Potatoes Diced Potatoes with Onion
• 1 (24 ounce) package  Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes
• 1 (15 -16 ounce) jar  traditional alfredo sauce
• 2  tablespoons  snipped green onions
• 2  teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2  cups  fat-free half-and-half
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

1. IN a 4-quart pot, add 1 medium bay leaf, 1 (8 ounce) bottle clam juice, 1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth, and the strained juice from one (10 ounce) can baby clams (reserve clams and set aside).
2. ADD 1-2 tablespoons pre-cooked crumbled bacon, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, and 1 (20 ounce) package Simply Potatoes Diced Potatoes with Onion; STIR.
3. BRING mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
4. COVER and cook for 7 minutes, or until potatoes are firm-tender.
5. UNCOVER and reduce heat to medium-low; ADD 1 (24 ounce) package Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes, and 1 (15-16 ounce) jar traditional Alfredo sauce; BLEND well.
6. STIR in the reserved clams, 2 tablespoons snipped green onions, and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice.
7. POUR 2 cups nonfat half and half in a medium bowl; WHISK in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour gradually until smooth; ADD mixture into pot while stirring constantly; STIR well.
8. SIMMER uncovered, stirring as needed, about 20-25 minutes, or to desired consistency.
9. REMOVE bay leaf.
10. SERVE and enjoy!