Craisin Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish combining tender pork or chicken, dried cranberries, broccoli, and walnuts, finished with zesty citrus and Parmesan for a flavorful, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 1 pound pork or chicken, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 cans (14 oz. each) chicken broth ⓘ
- 8 ounces penne pasta ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. orange or lemon zest, finely shredded ⓘ
- 1 pkg. frozen broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1/2 cup craisins or dried cherries
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- Grated Parmesan cheese to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add pork cubes, cook and stir 2 or 3 minutes until browned. Add broth and bring to a boil.
- Add pasta, zest, and craisins. Cover and cook about 10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- While pasta is cooking, remove outer wrapping from the frozen broccoli, microwave on high for 3 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Add broccoli florets to the cooked pasta, continue cooking uncovered until liquid is reduced and sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and walnuts. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork or chicken in a little orange juice or zest before cooking. If you don’t have craisins, dried cherries or raisins can work as substitutes. Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrition. This dish can also be made using gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light citrus vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the craisins and zest. For a heartier option, serve with a slice of Chicken Casserole II, which also features comforting flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out, and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. You can also sauté it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Craisin Pasta contains roughly 749 calories, with 6g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 858mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli florets. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the pasta. This will help retain their bright color and crisp texture in the dish.
What can I substitute for the walnuts?
If you're allergic to walnuts or prefer a different flavor, pecans or slivered almonds are great alternatives. You can also omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version, just be aware that it may slightly alter the texture.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Craisin Pasta keeps well for meal prep. Just store the components separately if possible, and combine them before heating. This will help maintain the pasta's texture and freshness when reheated.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).