Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that’s not only quick but also healthy? I’m excited to share my Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe with you! This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With just 30 minutes, you can create a creamy garlic pasta that your whole family will love. Let’s dive into this easy pasta recipe that’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
- Healthy ingredients that keep your family nourished.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies.
- Great for meal prep, ensuring you have delicious leftovers.
- A creamy garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible!
Ingredients
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain it and set it aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the cubed chicken breast, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it gets golden on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. Don’t let it brown because it turns bitter fast. Next, sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and stir it into the garlic oil to form a light roux. Cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the milk and continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken—this should take 2–3 minutes.
- Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt. Mix well until fully incorporated—this creates a creamy texture without the heaviness of cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash or two of your reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices that collected on the plate. Toss in the cooked pasta and add the spinach if using. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce and the spinach is just wilted.
- Serve Hot: Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you’re looking for chicken meal prep healthy options, this dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed!
How to Serve
This creamy garlic pasta is perfect for quick family dinners. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine for a delightful evening treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta and combine everything. This is a fantastic option for easy protein dinner recipes that you can enjoy throughout the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Now that you have this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe in your arsenal, you’ll never run out of weeknight dinner ideas again! Enjoy this creamy garlic pasta with your loved ones, and don’t forget to check out my other delicious recipes like Decadent Chocolate Cake and Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for those sweet cravings. Happy cooking!
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente, saving 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Cook seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Sauté garlic, add flour to form a roux, then whisk in broth and milk until thickened.
- Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan, then combine with chicken, pasta, and spinach. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.