Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Name: Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 1/2 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

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same! Luckily, I’ve got just the recipe that’ll satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling like a culinary genius. We’re diving into a dish that’s right on the deliciousness scale but also stays on the healthier side. Sounds like a win-win, am I right?

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let me hit you with some cold, hard facts: this recipe is idiot-proof. Seriously, even I didn’t mess it up the first time I made it. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, which means you can spend more time enjoying your meal instead of slaving over the stove. Plus, it’s loaded with protein from the chicken and fiber from the whole wheat pasta. You can totally tell your health-conscious friends that you cooked this masterpiece, and they’ll believe you, which is always a plus.

And don’t even get me started on the garlic and Parmesan flavor—this is not your average boring chicken dish. We’re talking about a creamy, dreamy sauce that brings everything together like a perfect group hug. So grab your apron because we’re about to get cookin’!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to whip up this fab garlic Parmesan chicken pasta:

8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine (because we are fancy like that)
2 tbsp olive oil (the magic elixir for sautéing)
3 garlic cloves, minced (because one does not simply have enough garlic)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed (make sure they’re not still in their original package, folks)
1/2 tsp paprika (for a little kick)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (because we’re channeling our inner chef here)
1 tbsp whole wheat flour (to thicken things up)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (the unsung hero of flavor)
1/2 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2% works; no need for whole milk unless you’re feeling rebellious)
1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (trust me, it’s a game changer)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (nothing beats the real deal)
2 cups baby spinach (optional but makes you feel like you’re being virtuous)
Salt and black pepper, to taste (the classic duo)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for that pretty finishing touch)

Got your shopping list ready? Let’s do this!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the whole wheat penne or fettuccine according to the package instructions. Make sure you salt the water like you’re in a cooking show. Cook until al dente, which means it should have a bit of bite. Once done, drain and set aside like a proud parent.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

While your pasta is having its spa day, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the cubed chicken, sprinkle it with paprika, Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes should do the trick. No one likes pink chicken, trust me.

3. Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Once the chicken is out, throw in the minced garlic into the same skillet. Sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Add in the whole wheat flour and stir for another minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking like your life depends on it. Bring it to a simmer and watch it thicken beautifully.

4. Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese

Now, lower the heat and mix in the low-fat milk along with Greek yogurt. Stir until everything is blended together nicely. Then, add in the Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until it melts into a creamy, dreamy delight. You might just want to dive in face-first at this point, but hold that thought.

5. Combine and Finish

Toss the cooked pasta and baby spinach (if you’re using it) into the skillet. Mix everything together until the pasta is well-coated in that luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Let it cook for an extra minute to heat the spinach through, and then it’s showtime.

6. Serve Hot

Scoop that gorgeous pasta into bowls, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, and stand back to admire your work. You deserve a moment of glory here before you dig in. Don’t forget to take that Instagram pic—your followers need to see how impressive you are!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s the deal. A few rookie mistakes can sabotage your pasta party, and I’m here to save you from them:

Thinking you don’t need to season your chicken. Seriously, salt and pepper are not optional here. They’re the dynamic duo you need.
Overcooking the garlic. Burnt garlic is not your friend—the bitterness just ruins the party. Keep an eye on it.
Skipping the broth and using only milk. You want that depth of flavor, and chicken broth delivers. No exceptions.
Not letting the sauce thicken. Patience is key. Let it bubble a little, and don’t rush it. Good things take time, my friend.
Trying to skip the cheese. I mean, come on. It’s Parmesan. It’s like saying you don’t want a pizza. No one understands that logic.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Not a fan of chicken? No worries! You can swap in shrimp or even tofu if you’re feeling adventurous. Vegetarian? Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’re golden. If you’re not into Greek yogurt, ricotta can serve as a creamy substitute.

And for the pasta choice, feel free to mix things up with gluten-free pasta or whatever noodle you’ve got lying around. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly—don’t get too wild in the kitchen.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that?

Is there a way to make this vegan? Absolutely! Sub in chickpeas for chicken, use plant-based yogurt and cheese, and you’re in business!

How long can I store leftovers? If you can manage to have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to three days. Just know that pasta is not a fan of the freezer—things can get weird.

Can I add more veggies? Heck yes! Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or whatever leftover veggies you have hanging around. No veggie left behind!

What if I don’t have chicken broth? You’re not completely out of luck. Water can work in a pinch, but it’ll lack that savory depth. Try adding more seasoning to compensate if you go this route.

Could I use pre-cooked chicken? For sure! Just toss it in at the end when you’re adding pasta to the sauce. Done and done!

What should I serve it with? Honestly, a glass of wine wouldn’t hurt, but if you want to impress, serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread. You deserve that extra carb love.

Final Thoughts

Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Don’t forget to put your own spin on it; cooking is all about making it your own. So have fun, keep it light, and remember: whether you’re a kitchen whiz or a total newbie, you can whip this up and enjoy the deliciousness. Happy cooking!

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Ingredients You’ll Need