Zingy lemon chicken pasta

A pan of pasta with chicken and herbs
Recipe credit

The "Grain Chain," a group of MyPlate National Strategic Partners

About this recipe

Serves
4

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti, uncooked
  • 1 tablespoon tub margarine
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 20 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
  • 5 green onions, sliced
  • 1 clove large garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/3 cups chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup skim milk
  • 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • for Topping:
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives or scallions
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Directions

  1. Combine flour, salt, pepper and cayenne in a saucepan; gradually add chicken broth and skim milk, stirring with a wire whisk until smooth.
  2. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add mustard and lemon juice. Allow to cool. 
  3. Heat margarine and oil in a skillet. Add chicken pieces, green onions and garlic. Sauté until chicken is just firm and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  4. Prepare pasta according to package directions and drain. Combine sauce, chicken and pasta mixture.
  5. Put into a 2 ½-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle top with almonds, chopped chives and paprika (if using).
  6. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Nutritional info

Calories
540
Total fat
15 g
Saturated fat
3 g
Cholesterol
59 mg
Sodium
324 mg
Total carbohydrates
56 g
Dietary fiber
9 g
Protein
35 g
Total sugar
4 g