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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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