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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A delicious and nutritious pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for a wholesome meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Salt and Pepper
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
Spices
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Flour
  • 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
Broth and Milk
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%)
Yogurt and Cheese
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional but recommended)
Garnish
  • as needed Fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta until al dente, saving 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Cook seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic, add flour to form a roux, then whisk in broth and milk until thickened.
  4. Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan, then combine with chicken, pasta, and spinach. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Using Greek yogurt keeps the sauce creamy without added heaviness. Feel free to add more vegetables for extra nutrition.