Name: Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 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); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying without the guilt. With lean chicken, whole wheat pasta, and a lightened-up sauce, it’s the perfect mix of comfort and nutrition. Garlic adds depth, Parmesan brings savory richness, and Greek yogurt keeps it creamy without heavy cream. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a family-friendly dinner that tastes indulgent but feels light. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight and wholesome enough to keep everyone happy.

Healthy garlic parmesan chicken pasta in a white bowl with creamy sauce and golden chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food flavor made lighter

You’ll get all the creamy, cheesy goodness of a Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, but with better-for-you swaps like olive oil, whole wheat pasta, and Greek yogurt.

High in protein and satisfying

With 38 grams of protein per serving, this pasta fills you up without weighing you down, making it a great choice for active weeknights.

Quick and easy for busy weeknights

From boiling pasta to tossing it all together, the recipe takes about 25 minutes start to finish, making dinner simple and stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe relies on wholesome staples that balance flavor and nutrition. You’ll need 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta, olive oil, fresh garlic, boneless skinless chicken breast, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. For creaminess, add whole wheat flour, chicken broth, low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese. Spinach is optional, but it adds a bright, fresh finish. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. These simple swaps keep the dish light yet satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

Healthy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe boiling penne in pot

Season and cook the chicken

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Toss cubed chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.

Healthy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe seared chicken cubes in skillet

Make the garlic parmesan sauce

In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, under a minute, without letting it brown. Sprinkle in flour to make a light roux, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Lower the heat, stir in Greek yogurt, and mix until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. If sauce feels too thick, whisk in reserved pasta water a splash at a time.

Creamy garlic parmesan sauce with cheese melting in skillet for pasta recipe

Combine everything and serve

Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet, then stir in pasta. Add spinach at this stage and let it wilt gently in the sauce. Toss until everything is coated. Serve hot with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top.

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with spinach cooking in skillet

Tips for the Best Results

Heat Greek yogurt gently and never let it boil, or it may curdle. Freshly grated Parmesan melts creamier than pre-shredded, so it’s worth the extra step. Generous seasoning on chicken adds flavor that carries through the whole dish. If you prefer a looser sauce, add a splash of broth or milk when reheating. Spinach should be stirred in at the end to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Healthy Variations and Add-Ins

This pasta is versatile, so you can easily mix things up. Add zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for more veggies. Swap the whole wheat pasta for chickpea or lentil pasta if you want extra protein and fiber. Zucchini noodles are also a fun low-carb option. Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works well if you’re short on time. For a flavor twist, stir in a spoonful of pesto or a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Meal Prep and Storage Ideas

This dish is meal prep–friendly and reheats beautifully. Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy. You can also enjoy it cold as a pasta salad–style lunch with fresh greens on the side. It’s a smart recipe for weekly meal planning since it stays flavorful and satisfying.

If you love creamy pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy this creamy crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta. For something different, try the easy Mediterranean eggplant pasta sauce. On nights when you want chicken but not pasta, make the one-pan juicy balsamic chicken dinner or the par mesan crusted chicken sheet pan dinner. If you like hearty comfort meals, the slow cooker cowboy casserole recipe is another family favorite.

Conclusion

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers creamy comfort while staying light and nourishing. With wholesome swaps and bold flavor, it makes weeknight dinners easy and satisfying. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and your family will ask for it again. Try this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for dinner this week, and feel free to make it your own with extra veggies or flavor twists. For even more inspiration, check out cozy pasta and chicken ideas on my Pinterest page.

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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