Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines whole wheat pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
For the Chicken:
- 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 but recommended)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken, season, and cook until golden. Set aside.
- Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Saute garlic, add flour, then gradually add broth and milk. Thicken the sauce.
- Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Stir in yogurt and Parmesan until melted. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Combine and Finish: Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta and spinach. Toss until coated and serve hot.
Notes
- To add extra flavor, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes or chopped fresh basil on top before serving.
- This dish can be easily customized with additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
- For a lighter version, you can use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of whole wheat pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Healthy, Garlic Parmesan, Chicken Pasta, Creamy, Nutritious