This in one of my fast and favorite pasta dishes to make for us, as it is so tasty and somewhat healthier with the broccoli and onion. I have been making it on weeknights for the past 20 years or so. I actually adapted the recipe from an old dieters cookbook that my mother bought for me a long, long time ago. What was she trying to tell me? I know I gained the "freshman 20" in college but sheesh! Imagine that ... pasta in a dieters cookbook! Of course, I think the recipe called for like 3 ounces of pasta for 5 people or something. Ridiculous. Pasta is my favorite food group... but here we add some nice healthy green broccoli and iron rich sweet onion. A hint of nutmeg makes that creamy sauce comforting and mangialicious!
3/4 lb linguine
2 - 2 1/2 cups broccoli flowerets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium sweet onion (Vidalia), sliced thin, separated into rings
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken stock
3 tsp cornstarch
2 tsp salt (divided)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg (fresh ground)
3 tbsp white wine (I use Sauvignon Blanc)
3 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (*optional)
Place large pot of water on to boil to cook linguine, follow package directions (about 12 minutes). I add salt to water while coming to a boil. While linguine is cooking, add broccoli for the last 5 or 6 minutes, depending on how firm you like your broccoli. I like 5 minutes (firmer broccoli). Drain well.
While the linguine is cooking, add olive oil to a non-stick skillet. Add separated rings of onion to skillet. Cook, covered over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. I like to add a little salt to the onions while they are getting tender. Make sure to stir occasionally.
In a measuring cup (2 cupper), add 1 cup milk (I use 2% when I like creamier sauce, feel free to use whole or skim), 1 cup chicken stock, cornstarch, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk it together and add to onion in the skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly (about 3 or 4 minutes). Stir in wine and mozzarella (optional), cook about 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Add drained linguine and broccoli to skillet and toss to coat well. |