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Zingy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Zingy Lemon Chicken Pasta

128 Ratings
128 Ratings
Recipe Image
Zingy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Makes: 4 Servings
Total Cost: $$$$

This creamy pasta dish with a hint of lemon is sure to be a family favorite. Packed with chicken and topped with crunchy almonds, it can be baked and ready to serve any night of the week.

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.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed broccoli, skim milk, apple slices. 

Source:

The "Grain Chain," a group of MyPlate National Strategic Partners committed to promoting and supporting grains, offers a series of recipes featuring whole grains. Members include American Bakers Association, Wheat Food Council, Grains Food Foundation, National Pasta Association, USA Rice Federation, General Mills, and Kellogg's.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrients Amount
Total Calories 540
Total Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 59 mg
Sodium 324 mg
Carbohydrates 56 g
Dietary Fiber 9 g
Total Sugars 4 g
Added Sugars included 0 g
Protein 35 g
Vitamin D 1 mcg
Calcium 100 mg
Iron 4 mg
Potassium 505 mg

N/A will display when nutrient data is unavailable

Please note: nutrient values are subject to change as data is updated

Nutrients Amount
Total Calories 540
Total Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 8 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4 g
Linoleic Acid 3 g
α-Linolenic Acid 0.3 g
Omega 3 - EPA 7 mg
Omega 3 - DHA 14 mg
Cholesterol 59 mg
Carbohydrates 56 g
Dietary Fiber 9 g
Total Sugars 4 g
Added Sugars included 0 g
Protein 35 g
Minerals
Calcium 100 mg
Potassium 505 mg
Sodium 324 mg
Copper 475 mcg
Iron 4 mg
Magnesium 111 mg
Phosphorus 416 mg
Selenium 66 mcg
Zinc 3 mg
Vitamins
Vitamin A 77 mcg RAE
Vitamin B6 0.6 mg
Vitamin B12 0.4 mcg
Vitamin C 20 mg
Vitamin D 1 mcg
Vitamin E 5 mg
Vitamin K 75 mcg
Folate 62 mcg DFE
Thiamin 0.3 mg
Riboflavin 0.4 mg
Niacin 12 mg
Choline 94 mg

Nutrients will display if the data is available

Please note: nutrient values are subject to change as data is updated

MyPlate Food Groups

Vegetables 1/4 cups
Grains 3 ounces
Protein Foods 3 ounces
Dairy 1/4 cups
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MyPlate.gov is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025