Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A lighter take on Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta offers a creamy, protein-rich dish that comes together quickly. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, ensuring you enjoy a satisfying bowl of pasta without straying from a clean-eating routine. With its delightful flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners, post-workout meals, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• High in Protein: Packed with lean chicken and Greek yogurt, this dish supports muscle health.
• Creamy Goodness: The garlic parmesan sauce is deliciously creamy without heavy cream.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customizable with vegetables like spinach or your favorite pasta.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking and storing for healthy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta efficiently; ensures even cooking.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing chicken and creating the creamy sauce in one pan.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like Greek yogurt and cheese.

Ingredients

A lighter take on classic garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Creamy, high in protein, and ready fast. Perfect when you want a satisfying bowl of pasta that still fits a clean-eating routine.

For the Pasta

• 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Sauce

• 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

For Garnishing

• 2 cups baby spinach (optional but recommended)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of whole wheat penne or fettuccine. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add cubed chicken seasoned with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Sprinkle flour over the mixture; stir well to combine.

Step 4: Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese

Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and low-fat milk gradually while stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and mix in Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Fold in cooked pasta along with baby spinach if using. Toss everything together until well coated with sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Dish out your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot. Enjoy this wholesome meal!

How to Serve Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serving Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep for the week, here are some great ways to enjoy this dish.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

Add Garlic Bread

• Serve with warm, crunchy garlic bread for a classic Italian touch that enhances the meal’s flavor.

Top with Extra Parmesan

• Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an extra burst of flavor that cheese lovers will adore.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness, making each bite more vibrant and flavorful.

Include Grilled Vegetables

• Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add nutrients and texture, making your meal even healthier.

Offer a Side of Steamed Broccoli

• Steamed broccoli provides fiber and vitamins, balancing the richness of the pasta while adding a pop of color to the plate.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To ensure your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Whole Wheat Pasta – This choice increases fiber content and keeps you full longer without compromising taste.
• Cook Chicken Thoroughly – Ensure the chicken is cooked until no longer pink inside for safety and best texture.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go; adjust salt, pepper, or paprika based on your personal preference for spice.
• Incorporate Fresh Spinach – Adding spinach not only boosts nutrition but also adds vibrant color to your dish.
• Let Sauce Thicken – Allowing the sauce to simmer helps it achieve a creamy consistency that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Serve Immediately – For the best experience, serve while hot to enjoy the creaminess of the sauce at its peak.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Complement your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with these delicious side dishes. They enhance flavors while providing balance to your meal.

1. Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad pairs well with creamy pasta; consider using a lighter dressing.
2. Roasted Asparagus – Simple roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds elegance and crunch.
3. Garlic Herb Rice – Flavorful garlic herb rice can soak up any leftover sauce from your pasta dish.
4. Caprese Salad Skewers – Easy-to-make skewers with mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil bring freshness to your plate.
5. Zucchini Noodles – Light and low-carb zucchini noodles can be served alongside for those looking for extra veggies.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet grilled corn makes a delightful addition during summer months; it’s sweet and satisfying.
7. Bruschetta – Crispy bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes can serve as an appetizer that complements Italian flavors.
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Baked sweet potatoes provide sweetness and fiber that balances out the rich pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

• Overcooking the Pasta: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its texture. To avoid this, cook it al dente according to package instructions and drain it promptly.

• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season your chicken and sauce can result in bland flavors. Make sure to use salt, pepper, and spices like paprika and Italian seasoning generously.

• Skipping the Greek Yogurt: Some may choose to omit Greek yogurt for a lighter dish. This ingredient adds creaminess without excess calories, so include it for a healthier twist.

• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can diminish taste. Always opt for fresh garlic, spinach, and high-quality cheese for the best results.

• Rushing the Sauce Preparation: Building flavor takes time. Don’t rush making your garlic parmesan sauce; allow the garlic to sauté properly before adding other ingredients.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Can I customize the protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option while maintaining similar cooking times.

What type of pasta works best?

Whole wheat penne or fettuccine is recommended for this dish. However, any pasta shape you enjoy will work well too!

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, simply use gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats beautifully throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. With options to customize proteins and incorporate various vegetables, it’s easy to adapt according to personal tastes. Try making it your own today!