• May 21, 2023
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Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

This creamy chicken pasta, with a subtle hint of lemon, is destined to become a family favorite. Loaded with tender chicken and garnished with crunchy almonds, it can be baked and prepared in no time, making it an ideal choice for any evening of the week.

• 14 ingredients
• 50 minutes
• 4 Servings

Ingredients

8 ounces of uncooked whole wheat spaghetti
1 tablespoon of margarine or tub butter
1 tablespoon of olive oil
20 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
5 green onions, sliced
1 large clove of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/8 teaspoon of black pepper
1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 1/3 cups of chicken broth
2/3 cup of skim milk
2 teaspoons of prepared mustard
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Gradually add chicken broth and skim milk, stirring with a wire whisk until smooth.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
3. Add mustard and lemon juice to the sauce, then let it cool.
4. Heat margarine and oil in a skillet. Add chicken pieces, green onions, and garlic. Sauté until the chicken is firm and cooked through, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain.
6. Combine the sauce, chicken, and pasta mixture, and transfer it to a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
7. Sprinkle the top with almonds, chopped chives, and paprika (if using).
8. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

Cooking the Chicken: When sautéing the chicken, make sure to cook it until it is firm and cooked through. This ensures it is safe to eat and prevents any raw or undercooked portions.

Thickening the Sauce: When adding the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne to the saucepan, whisk well to create a smooth mixture before gradually adding the chicken broth and skim milk. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.

Cooling the Sauce: After adding the mustard and lemon juice to the sauce, allow it to cool slightly. This prevents the hot sauce from curdling the skim milk when combined.

Choice of Pasta: For this recipe, whole-wheat spaghetti is recommended. However, feel free to use your preferred type of pasta. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure it is cooked to your desired texture.

Combining the Ingredients: When combining the sauce, chicken, and pasta mixture in the casserole dish, make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures each bite has a balance of flavors.

Toppings: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with almonds, chopped chives, and paprika (if using) for added visual appeal and extra flavor. Adjust the toppings according to your preference.

Baking Time: Bake the casserole at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until it is heated through. Monitor the dish closely to avoid overcooking and drying out the pasta.

Nutrition Detail