Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a wholesome and creamy dish made with tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and a light garlic Parmesan sauce enriched with Greek yogurt. This healthy yet comforting recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Salt and black pepper, to taste
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)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir to form a light roux. Cook 30 seconds.
5. Build Sauce: Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add Yogurt and Cheese: Lower heat. Stir in Greek yogurt until smooth. Add Parmesan and mix until melted. Thin with pasta water if needed.
7. Combine: Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Add spinach, if using. Stir until everything is coated and spinach is wilted.
8. Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
Substitute shrimp or chicken thighs for variety.
Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Leftovers reheat best with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg