Name: Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta (penne or rotini); 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or low-fat milk; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup steamed broccoli (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Healthy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a lightened-up version of a classic comfort dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with tender chicken, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that savory finish I crave—without the heavy cream or extra calories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta because it’s rich and satisfying but still feels balanced and fresh. It’s made with wholesome ingredients, comes together quickly, and works great for both busy weeknights and meal prep. Plus, the garlic-Parmesan combo never fails to impress at the table. Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

whole wheat or high-protein pasta (penne or rotini work well)
boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
olive oil
garlic (minced)
low-sodium chicken broth
plain Greek yogurt or low-fat milk
grated Parmesan cheese
salt and black pepper
Italian seasoning
spinach or broccoli (optional for extra veggies)
fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain it, and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. I season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
I remove the chicken from the skillet and add more olive oil if needed, then sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
I reduce the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt (or milk) and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
I return the chicken to the pan and stir in cooked pasta. I toss everything to coat well in the sauce.
I add spinach or steamed broccoli at this stage if I’m using veggies, letting them wilt or heat through.
I garnish with parsley and serve hot, with extra Parmesan if I want.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in 30 minutes or less.

Variations

Sometimes I use chickpea or lentil pasta for more protein. For a dairy-free version, I use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and a dairy-free yogurt alternative. If I want extra flavor, I add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes. I’ve also swapped the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy. It’s great for lunch the next day. Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I often use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. I just stir it into the sauce at the end to warm through.

What makes this version healthier?

It uses lean chicken breast, Greek yogurt instead of cream, and whole wheat or high-protein pasta for more fiber and nutrients.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. I love tossing in spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

Is the sauce still creamy without cream?

Yes. The Greek yogurt (or milk with Parmesan) creates a smooth, tangy, and satisfying sauce that feels creamy without being heavy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I just use a gluten-free pasta and make sure my broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Healthy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a lighter take on a comfort food classic that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether I’m looking for a simple dinner or a meal prep option that reheats well, this dish always delivers on both taste and nutrition. It’s one of those recipes I come back to again and again.