Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Finding a delicious, healthy dinner option can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially after a long day. I remember the first time I made Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It was one of those hectic weeknights when time was limited, yet I still craved a satisfying meal. This recipe is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, robust flavor, and convenience. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some whole grains and greens!

What Makes This Recipe Special

One of the best features of this dish is its versatility. It’s budget-friendly, packed with protein, and uses pantry staples that most cooks already have on hand. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal without a major time commitment. Plus, the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is a total crowd-pleaser, ensuring even picky eaters will leave the table satisfied.

“This pasta is a game-changer! The flavors are incredibly rich, and it feels indulgent while being healthy. My kids ask for it every week!” — A satisfied home cook.

Preparing Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is wonderfully straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. You’ll start by cooking your pasta, seasoning the chicken, and then building a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Finally, it all comes together in a creamy, flavorful mix that’s sure to impress.

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up this delightful meal, here’s what you’ll 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 experiment with other vegetables or herbs based on your preferences!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot, then add a pinch of salt and your whole wheat pasta. Follow the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the garlic and stir for a minute before slowly adding the chicken broth and milk. Whisk carefully to prevent lumps.

4. Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Greek yogurt and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined and creamy.

5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, adding in the pasta and baby spinach. Toss everything to evenly coat in the sauce, heating until the spinach wilts.

6. Serve Hot: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy!

Best Way to Serve

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you want to elevate the dish further, consider topping it with some fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes — both add a lovely burst of flavor. A side of garlic bread would not go amiss if you’re looking for that comforting Italian vibe.

Storage Tips

To keep your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or a little milk to restore creaminess. For longer-lasting options, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals.

Expert Advice

• Use a good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor results; the fresh taste elevates the dish nicely.
• If you find the sauce too thick during reheating, adding a bit more milk or chicken broth will help.
• To amp up the nutrition, experiment with adding other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during the cooking process!

Creative Twists

If you’re in the mood for a change, try these variations:

• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Swap the chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian by using chickpeas instead.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes for fun textures — bowtie or rotini work well too!

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Prep time is around 10-15 minutes, and cooking typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Overall, you can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes!

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, sour cream offers a similar creaminess. For a dairy-free alternative, use cashew cream or a plant-based yogurt.

How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If not, continue cooking until it reaches that temperature.

Make sure to bring this dish to your dinner table — it’s healthy, flavorful, and sure to delight everyone! Enjoy every bite!

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

---

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and wholesome pasta dish featuring chicken in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt and the pasta; cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle whole wheat flour over garlic and stir for a minute, then slowly add chicken broth and milk, whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Once the sauce thickens, stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined and creamy.
5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add pasta and baby spinach. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce, heating until the spinach wilts.
6. Serve Hot: Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Notes

Experiment with other vegetables or herbs to suit your preferences. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: healthy pasta, chicken pasta, quick dinner, garlic Parmesan