Luscious Chicken and Pine Nut Pasta Delight
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Luscious Chicken and Pine Nut Pasta Delight. Bursting with flavor, this dish combines tender chicken breast cubes sautéed to perfection, tossed with nutty pine nuts, aromatic basil, and luscious parmesan cheese in a creamy sauce. It's a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with family and friends. Serve it warm and enjoy a healthy balance of protein, whole grains, and vegetables. Share this delightful recipe with loved ones for a cozy evening of culinary enjoyment.
N/A
Servings
215
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat spaghetti
1/2 lb (Uncooked)
chicken breast
1 lb (Cut into bite-sized cubes)
pine nuts
2 tablespoons (Toasted for added flavor)
skim milk
1 cup (Cold)
flour
1 tablespoon (All-purpose)
coarse ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon (Prepared)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
sea salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Freshly grated)
basil leaves
1/2 cup (Chiffonade)
garlic clove
1 (Minced)
white onion
1/4 cup (Minced)
Instructions
1
Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by one minute. Once done, drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
3
Stir in the bite-sized chicken breast pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the skim milk and flour until the flour is completely dissolved. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken and onion. Season with sea salt and black pepper, stirring well.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the nutmeg and coarse ground mustard, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
6
Once thickened, lower the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Next, fold in the cooked spaghetti until well combined, ensuring the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
7
Remove from heat and gently mix in the chiffonade basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.75
Fat
21
Carbs
17.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pasta recipe?
The recipe is called Luscious Chicken and Pine Nut Pasta Delight.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are 215 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 17.5 grams of protein.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of whole wheat spaghetti.
How much chicken breast do I need?
You will need 1 lb of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes.
How should the pine nuts be prepared?
The 2 tablespoons of pine nuts should be toasted for added flavor.
What kind of milk is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of cold skim milk.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by whisking together skim milk and flour, then simmering it with the chicken and onion.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of minced white onion.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
What is the preparation method for the basil leaves?
The 1/2 cup of basil leaves should be prepared as a chiffonade.
What spices are used to season the pasta?
The dish is seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and coarse ground mustard.
Is there garlic in this chicken pasta dish?
Yes, the recipe includes one minced garlic clove.
How long should the chicken be cooked?
The chicken should be browned and cooked through for approximately 6-8 minutes.
Why should I reduce the pasta cooking time?
The spaghetti cooking time is reduced by one minute so it can finish cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This dish contains 6.75 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 21 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the chicken?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
When should I add the garlic to the skillet?
Add the minced garlic after the chicken is browned and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
When do I add the parmesan cheese and pine nuts?
Gradually stir them in after the sauce has thickened and the heat has been lowered to low.
At what point is the fresh basil added?
The basil is gently mixed in after the skillet is removed from the heat.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and weeknight dinner, designed to be fast and comforting.
How much sea salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of sea salt, or to taste.
What type of mustard is used in the sauce?
It uses 1/2 teaspoon of prepared coarse ground mustard.
How much nutmeg is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Is this dish considered a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pan style meal for easy cleanup.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is rich and creamy with nutty, aromatic, and savory notes from pine nuts, basil, and parmesan.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
While the exact fiber count is not provided, it uses whole wheat spaghetti which typically provides fiber.
Can I adjust the seasonings before serving?
Yes, the instructions recommend tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed before serving.