Are you ready to whip up a delicious, creamy dinner that’s not only quick but also healthy? I’m excited to share my recipe for Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet wholesome. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can create a meal that your whole family will love. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
- Packed with protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, making it a great choice for Healthy Protein Pasta.
- Rich, creamy flavor without the guilt—ideal for weeknight dinner ideas.
- Versatile—add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste!
- Perfect for meal prep; enjoy it for lunch the next day!
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
Let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy garlic pasta masterpiece:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 of my favorite tips to ensure your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you want a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- For a lighter version, you can use cauliflower pasta instead of whole wheat.
How to Serve
This dish is best served warm, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic option for Chicken Meal Prep Healthy; just store it in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re looking to save time, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them with the pasta when you’re ready to eat. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Now that you have this delightful recipe in your arsenal, I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! For a sweet treat afterward, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for a perfect ending to your meal. Happy cooking!
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, saving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Cook seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Sauté garlic in remaining oil, stir in flour, then gradually whisk in broth and milk until thickened. Mix in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until smooth.
- Return chicken to skillet, add cooked pasta and spinach, toss to coat, and cook until spinach wilts.
- Divide among plates, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve immediately.