Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Welcome to a wholesome dish that’s bound to become a favorite at your dinner table: Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This delightful recipe combines the comforting flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken, all tossed with hearty whole wheat pasta. It’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends when you crave something that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfectly balanced with a creamy sauce that won’t weigh you down, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends while keeping your health goals in check.

What makes this pasta special is its versatile nature – you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to foster a cozy family dinner or host a lively gathering with friends, this pasta dish is guaranteed to bring smiles and compliments. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a wholesome masterpiece that you, your family, and even your picky eaters will love!

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

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)

Gather your fresh ingredients to create a delicious meal!

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the whole wheat penne or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, saving a small cup of pasta water for later, and set aside.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then sprinkle in the whole wheat flour, stirring constantly for another minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuing to stir to combine.

4. Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Once the sauce is smooth, stir in the low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until the cheese has melted into the sauce.

5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and optional spinach to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Serve Hot: Portion the Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta onto plates and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor!

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute the whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a low-carb option. Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
• Optional Variations: For extra zing, toss in some cherry tomatoes or mushrooms, or spice things up with crushed red pepper flakes.
• Storage/Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

Enjoy every creamy, savory bite of this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!