Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. We’ve all been there, staring at the fridge like it’s a black hole of disappointment, wishing for a miracle to happen. Well, guess what? I’m here to save the day with a recipe that’s not only delicious but also healthy and ridiculously easy to whip up. Introducing… Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! Trust me, you’ll want to make this one on repeat.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let me tell you what makes this garlic parmesan chicken pasta the MVP of dinner time. First off, it’s idiot-proof. Seriously, even I didn’t mess it up, and that’s saying something. You throw together a few ingredients, and voilà, you’re practically Gordon Ramsay. It’s packed with protein, can be made in under 30 minutes, and is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Plus, it’s versatile. Wanna throw in some extra veggies? Go nuts. Prefer it with a different pasta shape? Be my guest. This recipe gives you all the freedom of creativity without the hassle. Who said cooking had to be boring?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the fun cooking part, let’s gather our army of ingredients. Here’s what you need to snag from your local grocery store:
- 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine (because we’re being healthy but not that healthy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (to make everything taste awesome)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (garlic is the real superhero here)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed (protein power)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (adds that lil’ kick)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (because we need a taste of Italy)
- 1 tbsp whole wheat flour (to thicken things up)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (not all broths are created equal)
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%) (your arteries will thank you)
- 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (for that creamy goodness)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (yes, please)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional but highly recommended for that health boost)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (season it up)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and Instagram aesthetic)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking. Follow these simple steps and get ready to impress yourself.
Cook the Pasta: Boil a big pot of salted water and toss in the whole wheat penne or fettuccine. Follow the package instructions but keep an eye on it, as you don’t want a mushy pasta situation. Drain and set aside once done.
Season and Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the cubed chicken, sprinkle paprika and Italian seasoning over it, and cook until it’s gloriously golden and no longer pink inside. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Once the chicken is ready, toss in the minced garlic and cook for a minute until it’s fragrant. Just wait until your kitchen smells like a fancy Italian bistro. Then stir in the whole wheat flour and cook for another minute before adding the chicken broth. Stir it up and let it simmer.
Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese: Pour in the milk and Greek yogurt, mixing until it’s smooth. This is where the magic happens. Now slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts beautifully into the sauce. You might want to do a little happy dance at this point.
Combine and Finish: Toss the cooked pasta and baby spinach into the skillet, and give everything a good mix. Let the spinach wilt slightly; you know, to pretend we’re being healthy here. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve Hot: Serve your glorious creation hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Maybe take a moment to admire your work before diving in—I won’t judge if you do a little fist pump.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now that you’re ready to tackle this recipe, let’s chat about some common pitfalls. Think you can just throw everything together without following steps? Rookie mistake. Also, try not to skimp on the garlic. This is garlic pasta, not bland pasta. And for the love of all things good, make sure your chicken is cooked through. No one wants a side of salmonella with their pasta.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Not feeling the whole wheat pasta? No problem. Go for regular pasta or even zoodles if you want to go full-on health mode. Gluten-free pasta? Sure, why not. If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream could step in like a champion, though it won’t be quite as healthy. Don’t have chicken broth? Feel free to use vegetable broth or just water, if you’re feeling brave. Oh, and if you’re not a fan of spinach—who are you?—feel free to add broccoli or even kale. Your pasta, your rules.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is life.
What if I’m out of Greek yogurt? You could use regular yogurt or even cream cheese in a pinch. It might be a tad less healthy but hey, sacrifices must be made.
How can I make it spicy? If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce. Spice it up, hotshot.
Can I prep this ahead? You betcha. Cook everything and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat before serving, and you are golden.
How do I store leftovers? Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just don’t forget to share some with your fridge roommates.
Is this meal good for meal prepping? Absolutely! It’s like a little gift to your future self, ready to heat and feast on hectic days.
What can I make with leftovers? Transform them into a delicious pasta bake. Just add some cheese on top, bake until bubbly, and boom, new life for the same dish.
Final Thoughts
Now you’re armed with the knowledge and the steps to whip up an scrumptious plate of Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. And remember, it’s not just about the food; it’s about having fun in the kitchen. So crank up that music, dance a little, and get cooking. You’ve earned it!
Print
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A quick and delicious pasta dish that combines the flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and chicken, all in a healthy whole wheat option.
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)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil a big pot of salted water and cook the whole wheat penne or fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the cubed chicken, sprinkle with paprika and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the whole wheat flour and cook for another minute before adding chicken broth. Let it simmer.
- Pour in the milk and Greek yogurt, mixing until smooth. Slowly stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and baby spinach. Mix well and let spinach wilt lightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Feel free to add extra veggies or use different pasta shapes according to your preference.