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Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

Enjoy a nourishing twist on comfort food with this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner, rich in flavor yet wholesome.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: High-Protein
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta can substitute gluten-free pasta
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken breast or tofu/chickpeas for vegetarian
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil/butter
  • 2 cloves minced garlic using fresh garlic is best
  • 2 tbsp whole wheat flour or almond flour/cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup low-fat milk substitute with almond/skimmilk
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt can use sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese nutritional yeast for dairy-free option
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For The Toppings
  • 1 cup fresh spinach optional, can swap for kale/arugula
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • nonstick skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the whole wheat pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Set chicken aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 30-60 seconds, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Stir in the whole wheat flour and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, then add the low-fat milk, cooking until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Mix in the Greek yogurt until fully combined. Add grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  6. Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, add in the cooked pasta and optional spinach, and gently toss until everything is well coated.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist!

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