Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Description

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and lightened up without sacrificing taste. Tender bites of chicken are pan-seared with garlic, then tossed with whole wheat or protein pasta in a silky Greek yogurt and Parmesan sauce. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that’s high in protein, lower in calories, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat pasta (or high-protein pasta)
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
Combine:
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated in sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t boil Greek yogurt — add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
Slice chicken into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
For more veggies, toss in spinach, broccoli, or zucchini.

Variations and Substitutions

Pasta Options: Use chickpea pasta, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles.
Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast and a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely — it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: Freezing is not recommended due to the yogurt-based sauce.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, just add it in at the end to heat through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Pair with garlic bread or whole wheat rolls.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for brightness.
Enjoy as a lighter pasta night option the whole family will love.