Chicken, Broccoli and Walnut Pasta
Description
This pasta dish is so simple to prepare, starting with canned chicken and frozen broccoli. Add a light Parmesan cheese sauce and crunchy walnuts to finish the dish!
Ingredients
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3 tablespoons butter
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1 cup chopped onion
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1/4 cup flour
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
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1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian herb seasoning
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1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for topping
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8 oz. pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained
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1 (12-oz.) can chicken, drained
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2 cups coarsely chopped frozen, thawed broccoli florets
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3/4 cup California walnuts, coarsely chopped and toasted, divided
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Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Stir-ins
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1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned corn
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1 cup lightly sautéed grape tomatoes
PREPARATION
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Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 10 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally. Add flour and cook for 1 minute more.
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Slowly stir in milk and broth, then add seasonings. Cook for 5 minutes more to thicken, stirring frequently.
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Stir in Parmesan, then stir in chicken, broccoli and 1/2 cup walnuts. Cook for 5 minutes more to heat chicken and broccoli.
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Spoon onto 4 plates or bowls and top with remaining walnuts and Parmesan cheese.
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Instead of toasting walnuts, prepare Italian Seasoned Walnuts:
Melt 1/2 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet. Add 3/4 cup coarsely chopped California walnuts and 1/4 teaspoon dried basil or Italian Herb Seasoning. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
NUTRITION
- Calories: 490 cal
- Total Fat: 24g g
- Saturated Fat: 8g g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.8g g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.5g g
- Cholesterol: 55mg mg
- Sodium: 550mg mg
- Carbohydrates: 43g g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g g
- Total Sugars: 6g g
- Protein: 28 g
- Vitamin D: 1mcg (4%) mcg
- Calcium: 190mg (15%) mg
- Iron: 2mg (15%) mg
- Potassium: 500mg (10%) mg