Description
Healthy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a light yet creamy dish made with lean chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt, and savory garlic-Parmesan flavor. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for meal prep or a wholesome family meal.
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)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and stir in Greek yogurt (or milk) and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add spinach or broccoli if using, stirring until wilted or heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use chickpea or lentil pasta for added protein.
- Substitute nutritional yeast and dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—add at the end to warm through.
- Add lemon juice or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or milk to keep sauce creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
