Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 lb Your favorite shaped pasta
• 2 tbsp Margarine
• 1/2 small Onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp All-purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Dry White Wine
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Chicken Broth
• 1/2 tsp Grated Lemon Zest
• 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme, chopped, or 1/2 tsp dried
• 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped, or 1 tsp dried
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• Salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions; drain.
2. In a large saucepan, warm the margarine over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until lightly brown and very soft.
3. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the flour. Continue stirring until the flour is completely blended.
4. Very gradually whisk in the white wine and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a boil, then let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the grated lemon zest, chopped thyme, dill, and mustard. Season the sauce to taste with salt.
6. Serve the sauce over the warm pasta.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories per serving: 302
• Fat: 7.41 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 417 mg

VARIATIONS:

1. Creamy Mushroom Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a rich and earthy flavor. Cook sliced mushrooms in butter or olive oil until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Mix them into the sauce along with the other ingredients.
2. Spicy Cajun Pasta: For a kick of spice, add Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness. You can also include some cooked andouille sausage or shrimp for an extra punch of flavor.
3. Herbed Lemon Pasta: Enhance the lemony flavor by adding more fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or cilantro. These herbs will add brightness and freshness to the dish.
4. Creamy Vegan Pasta: Make the sauce vegan-friendly by using plant-based margarine and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can replace the dairy-based margarine with olive oil or vegan butter, and use vegetable broth or a vegetable bouillon cube dissolved in water.
5. Pasta Primavera: Boost the vegetable content by adding colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli to the sauce. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender-crisp before adding the wine and chicken broth.
6. Smoked Salmon Pasta: For a luxurious twist, add pieces of smoked salmon to the sauce. The smoky flavor of the salmon pairs well with the lemony and herby notes of the sauce.
7. Mediterranean Pasta: Incorporate ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and capers for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. These ingredients will add depth and complexity to the sauce.
8. Creamy Garlic Pasta: Increase the garlic flavor by adding more minced garlic to the sauce. Garlic lovers can never have too much garlic!
9. Spinach and Feta Pasta: Stir in some fresh baby spinach leaves and crumbled feta cheese just before serving. The warmth of the pasta will slightly wilt the spinach, and the feta will add a salty and tangy touch.
10. Roasted Vegetable Pasta: Roast a medley of vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini, in the oven with olive oil and your favorite herbs. Toss the roasted vegetables with the pasta and sauce for a satisfying and hearty dish.