Cooking is not just about nourishment; it’s about bringing joy to our tables. One of my go-to recipes when I want something quick and delicious is Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This delightful dish perfectly balances flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. With the rich taste of garlic and the creaminess of Greek yogurt, it’s a family favorite that never fails to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why bother with takeout when you can whip up this incredible meal in less time than it takes to wait for a pizza delivery? The unique combination of whole wheat pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce makes this dish not only wholesome but also indulgent. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, and the flavors are rich enough to make it suitable for entertaining.

“This recipe has transformed our weeknight meals! My kids can’t get enough of the cheesy goodness!" – A satisfied home cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a breeze. Start by cooking your pasta, then move on to seasoning and cooking the chicken. Next, you’ll build a delicious garlic parmesan sauce, finish with Greek yogurt and cheese, and combine everything in one pan. It’s that easy!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this delightful dish, you will need:

8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp whole wheat flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%)
1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach (optional but recommended)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Feel free to swap the pasta with whatever type you have on hand, or use a different protein for variety.

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Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, sprinkling with paprika and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Sprinkle in the whole wheat flour, stirring quickly to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Reduce the heat and stir in the milk. Cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and mix in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency. If desired, stir in the baby spinach until wilted.
Serve Hot: Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips for Serving

This dish shines on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables. For added freshness, serve with a squeeze of lemon juice or some cherry tomatoes on the side. A slice of whole grain bread can also complement your meal perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To enjoy this dish later, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to bring back the creamy texture. You can also freeze this dish for up to three months; just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Pro Chef Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and seasonings for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
If you want a bit of a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the garlic while it cooks.
Always taste and adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking; it’s the best way to ensure your dish is perfectly seasoned.

Creative Twists

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! You might try adding sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or swapping the chicken for shrimp for a different flavor profile. For vegan options, use chickpeas or tofu and non-dairy alternatives for the cheese and yogurt.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

This recipe can usually be prepared in about 30-40 minutes, making it a quick meal option for busy nights.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to use tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein source.

How do I keep this recipe healthy?

Using whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and Greek yogurt ensures that this dish remains on the healthier side while still delivering on flavor. You can also add in more vegetables to boost its nutritional value!

Now, let’s get cooking! You’re going to love how quick and delicious Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is, making it a smart and tasty addition to your mealtime rotation.

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Healthy

Description

A quick and delicious dish that balances flavor and nutrition, featuring garlic, creamy Greek yogurt, and whole wheat pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp whole wheat flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%)
1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot. Add whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, sprinkling with paprika and Italian seasoning. Cook until chicken is golden brown and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Sprinkle in whole wheat flour, stirring quickly. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in milk. Cook until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and mix in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until creamy.
Combine and Finish: Add cooked pasta back into skillet. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Stir in baby spinach until wilted, if using.
Serve Hot: Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Great served with a side salad or roasted vegetables. For added freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice pairs well.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken pasta, healthy recipe, weeknight dinner