Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

why make this recipe

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines tender chicken with hearty whole wheat pasta. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic and Parmesan cheese. Using whole wheat pasta adds fiber, making this dish a healthier option compared to traditional pasta recipes. Plus, the creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt gives it a rich texture without too many calories.

how to make Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 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)

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside when done.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the whole wheat flour to coat the chicken.
4. Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and baby spinach to the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
6. Serve Hot: Transfer to bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot, straight from the skillet. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

how to store Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.

tips to make Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Make sure to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• For a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.

variation

You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein source. You can also use other types of pasta, such as spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat? Yes, you can use regular pasta, but whole wheat pasta is healthier and offers more fiber.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as chickpeas or tofu, and make sure to use vegetable broth.
3. Is this dish gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Enjoy making Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! It’s a tasty and healthy meal that you can easily add to your dinner rotation.

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A delicious and nutritious meal featuring tender chicken and hearty whole wheat pasta, enriched with garlic and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Chicken

• 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Cooking Essentials

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour

Sauce Mixture

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth Use low-sodium broth for better health control.
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%)
• 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasoning

• 2 cups baby spinach Optional but recommended.
• to taste Salt and black pepper
• to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, seasoning it with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Making the Sauce

1. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in whole wheat flour to coat the chicken.
2. Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Allow to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Combining and Serving

1. Add the cooked pasta and baby spinach to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
2. Transfer to bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.