Description
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining creamy textures and robust flavors in just 25 minutes. This nutritious dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or post-workout refueling. Featuring tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s high in protein while remaining light enough for clean eating. You can easily customize this recipe by incorporating your choice of vegetables for added nutrition. Enjoy a satisfying bowl that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook seasoned chicken (with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper) until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add flour and stir.
- Gradually mix in chicken broth and then lower heat to add milk and Greek yogurt until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce; add spinach if desired until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 90mg