Chicken, Broccoli and Walnut Pasta

By California Walnuts
Total Time
1 Hr
Serves
6
Serving Size
1 1/3 cups
Meal
Dinner
Course
Main

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!

Prep Time
20 Mins
Cook Time
40 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr
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

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • 1/4 cup flour

  • 1 1/2 cups milk

  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian herb seasoning

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for topping

  • 8 oz. pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained

  • 1 (12-oz.) can chicken, drained

  • 2 cups coarsely chopped frozen, thawed broccoli florets

  • 3/4 cup California walnuts, coarsely chopped and toasted, divided

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Stir-ins

  • 1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned corn

  • 1 cup lightly sautéed grape tomatoes

Preparation

  1. 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.
  2. Slowly stir in milk and broth, then add seasonings. Cook for 5 minutes more to thicken, stirring frequently.
  3. Stir in Parmesan, then stir in chicken, broccoli and 1/2 cup walnuts. Cook for 5 minutes more to heat chicken and broccoli.
  4. Spoon onto 4 plates or bowls and top with remaining walnuts and Parmesan cheese. 

  5. 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.