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+ servings
Plate of garlic parmesan chicken pasta garnished with parsley

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A cozy and nutritious dish featuring tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and a light garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine Can swap for regular whole-grain or legume-based pasta.
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes Can use chicken thighs for moister results.
Sauce and Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking the chicken.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic recommended for best flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp whole wheat flour Helps thicken the sauce.
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt Tempered into the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Grate fresh for the best melt and flavor.
  • 2 cups baby spinach Optional addition for color and nutrients.
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, turning pieces so they brown evenly. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant—watch so it does not burn.
  3. Sprinkle the whole wheat flour into the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds to cook the raw taste.
  4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes. If it gets too thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Temper the Greek yogurt by stirring a small spoonful of the hot sauce into the yogurt, then whisking the warmed yogurt back into the pan.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss to coat. If the sauce needs loosening, add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
  8. Fold in the baby spinach until just wilted. Serve hot sprinkled with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 600mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave. If freezing, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

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