Why make this recipe
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal that brings comfort food to the next level. This recipe combines whole wheat pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy garlic sauce that is packed with flavor. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights because it’s quick to prepare and healthy enough to keep you feeling good. Plus, the addition of spinach offers more nutrients while making it vibrant and colorful.
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 :
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Season and Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the chicken and stir to combine. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and stir, cooking until the mixture thickens.
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Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until the pasta is coated with the sauce. If using, add the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
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Serve Hot: Divide the Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
How to serve Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like a cheesier flavor.
How to store Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Tips to make Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- For a bit more flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- If you want to make it dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different types of protein, such as shrimp or tofu. Additionally, you could use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes, you can use regular pasta, but whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and nutrients.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then just cook the pasta when you are ready to serve.
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the chicken and stir to combine. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and stir, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until the pasta is coated with the sauce. If using, add the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Divide the Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!