Main Meal

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!

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

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

Italian Seasoned Walnuts

• 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.