Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Cozy Weeknight Delight
Ah, there’s something truly special about a warm bowl of pasta that invites you to sit back, relax, and share stories at the dinner table. I can almost hear the laughter and clinking of forks as we gather around a meal filled with rich flavors and comforting nostalgia. One of my favorite go-to recipes for those busy weeknights is this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a dish that effortlessly combines tender chunks of chicken with creamy, garlicky goodness, all wrapped around wholesome whole wheat pasta. As the scent of garlic wafts through the kitchen, it brings back memories of family dinners where every bite sees smiles exchanged and hearts warmed. This is a recipe you’ll want to pin for later, as it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just delicious; it’s made for cozy evenings at home. Here’s why this dish is one you’ll turn to again and again:
- Quick and easy to make – perfect for busy evenings when every minute counts.
- Healthy, with whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Family-friendly – even picky eaters will love the creamy texture and savory flavor.
- Versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Packed with flavor, featuring garlicky, cheesy goodness that makes your taste buds sing.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
Before we get cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need for this delightful dish:
- 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 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)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Make It Together
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps of making this wholesome dish. I can already imagine the creamy sauce folding around the pasta, and it’s making my mouth water!
Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the whole wheat penne or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a half cup of pasta water for later.
Season and Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Toss in the cubed chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the cooked chicken, and stir to coat. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, allowing it to thicken. Then add the low-fat milk and mix until combined.
Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese:
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well blended. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Combine and Finish:
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta and baby spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve Hot:
- Spoon the creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Delicious Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few creative twists to elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- Zesty Lemon Spinach: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic and cheese.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy addition that enhances the dish’s richness.
- Creamy Tomato Basil: Mix in some crushed tomatoes and fresh basil into the sauce for a delicious, vibrant twist.
- Protein Packed: Swap out chicken for cooked turkey bacon or shrimp for a different take on this family favorite.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time:
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just reheat and add pasta when you’re ready to serve.
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have whole wheat pasta? Any pasta like penne, rotini, or fettuccine will work perfectly, but feel free to use gluten-free options as well.
- Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition information for a serving of Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (approximately 1 cup):
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 27g
- Sodium: 450mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about making this cozy dish? Let’s clear up some common inquiries:
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve.Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken for turkey, add other veggies, or change the herbs to suit your taste.How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.How long does it last?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if stored properly, it can last in the fridge for about 3 days and can be reheated.
Wrapping It Up
This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta not only warms your belly but also your heart. It’s a perfect dish to gather around and share moments with loved ones, reminding us of the joy that food can bring into our lives. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your cozy dinner board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat! Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A cozy weeknight pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with whole wheat pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 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)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the whole wheat penne or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a half cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Toss in the cubed chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the cooked chicken, and stir to coat. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, allowing it to thicken. Then add the low-fat milk and mix until combined.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well blended. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta and baby spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spoon the creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins. This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, healthy recipe, garlic, Parmesan