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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those magical dishes that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and healthy eating. I discovered this delightful recipe on a busy weeknight when I craved something satisfying yet effortless to prepare. With its blend of creamy Greek yogurt and savory Parmesan, it transforms lean chicken and whole wheat pasta into a delightful meal that the entire family will appreciate. This dish is not just about flavor; it’s about bringing a touch of restaurant-quality dining right into your home kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Making It
Imagine a dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, is easy on the wallet, and is packed with flavor and nutrients—sounds appealing, right? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta stands out for several reasons. It’s a wonderful choice for a weeknight dinner or a simple brunch with friends. The creamy texture and rich Parmesan flavor effortlessly mask the essential health benefits of Greek yogurt and whole wheat pasta, making it a fantastic option for the health-conscious.
“I made this on a whim last week, and my kids asked for it again the very next night! It’s a total winner!”
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It
Before diving into the ingredients and steps, let’s set the stage for your culinary adventure. This recipe centers around cooking wholesome ingredients in a way that lets their natural flavors shine while keeping the process straightforward. Here’s how you can create this mouthwatering dish:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil whole wheat pasta as per package instructions. Once done, drain it and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast, cooking until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until everything is well-blended and creamy.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to ensure the pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve: Dish it out immediately, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired.
What You’ll Need
To recreate this culinary delight, ensure you have the following ingredients on hand:
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- 8 oz whole wheat pasta: A heart-healthy base loaded with fiber.
- 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced: A protein-packed choice.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang without excessive fat.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that rich, nutty flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: To sauté the chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A bright touch to finish off the dish.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until perfectly browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and mix in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until everything is combined seamlessly.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Best Way to Serve
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta shines on its own but can be paired beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a crisp mixed green salad or steamed vegetables for a nutrient boost. For a heartier meal, garlic bread makes a delightful companion. A sprinkle of chili flakes can also kick the flavor profile up a notch for those who enjoy a bit of heat!
Storage Tips
To keep your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh for later enjoyment, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess.
- Safe handling: Always remember to adhere to proper food safety practices—cool food before storing to ensure quality.
Expert Advice
Ready to take your pasta game to the next level? Here are some pro chef tips and tricks to enhance your cooking experience:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente. This adds texture and prevents it from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Play with garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to double the amount! It will elevate the flavor significantly.
- Spice it up: Incorporating some crushed red pepper or Italian herbs can add an extra dimension to your dish.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to switch things up:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delightful vegetarian twist.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to add color and nutrition.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses; goat cheese or feta can bring a unique tanginess to the dish.
Your Questions Answered
-
How long does it take to make this dish?
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. -
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt adds creaminess without excess fat, but you can substitute regular yogurt if necessary. Just be mindful of the consistency. -
How do I reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or yogurt to maintain creaminess.
Now you’re ready to whip up this delectable Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy meal for one, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy the cooking experience and the flavors that follow!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy, High Protein
Description
A delightful blend of creamy Greek yogurt and savory Parmesan transforms lean chicken and whole wheat pasta into a satisfying meal that the entire family will appreciate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until perfectly browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and mix in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until everything is combined seamlessly.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a heartier meal, consider serving with garlic bread or a crisp mixed green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauteing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, healthy pasta recipes
