Savor Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in Under 30 Minutes
A quick and nourishing Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe perfect for busy evenings.
Equipment
- - Large pot
- - Skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces Whole Wheat Pasta Feel free to use any short pasta if preferred.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Rotisserie chicken can be used for quicker prep.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Avocado oil is a tasty alternative.
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic Mince for better incorporation.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika Use sparingly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning A mix of dried herbs.
- 2 tablespoons Whole Wheat Flour Substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free.
- 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Can be swapped with vegetable broth.
- 1 cup Low-Fat Milk Almond milk can replace it.
- 1 cup Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can be used as a vegan alternative.
For the Finishing Touches
- 2 cups Baby Spinach Optional
- Salt Adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add seasoned, cubed chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and stir to create a roux; cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in low-sodium chicken broth and low-fat milk, simmering until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low; gently stir in plain non-fat Greek yogurt and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and baby spinach. Toss everything together until well-coated, allowing the spinach to wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
- Plate your delicious Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.