Lemon Basil Pasta with Toasted Walnuts

Total Time
20 Mins
Serves
4
Serving Size
1-1/2 cups

Total Time

Prep Time
15 Mins
Cook Time
5 Mins
Total Time
20 Mins

Nutrition

Calories
745 cal
Total Fat
36 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
14 g
Cholesterol
89 mg
Sodium
276 mg
Carbohydrates
70 g
Dietary Fiber
5 g
Protein
36 g

Ingredients

  • 1 cup California walnuts
  • 1 package (12 ounces) thin spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Preparation

Toasted Walnuts

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange walnuts on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake about 5-8 minutes, checking frequently.

Lemon basil pasta

  1. Cook pasta in boiling water until tender.
  2. Heat olive oil in pan and add diced chicken and stir until cooked through. Add salt and pepper while cooking. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in same pan and heat until it begins to turn golden brown. Add in minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  4. Return chicken to pan and stir into broth. Add in basil, toasted walnuts and red pepper flakes. Toss with pasta.
  5. Garnish with additional basil, Parmesan cheese and additional walnuts if desired.