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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A quick and satisfying weeknight option, this pasta combines creamy garlic sauce with whole-wheat pasta and lean chicken for a nutritious meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Chicken

  • 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine Substitute regular or gluten-free pasta if needed
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Sauce

  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp whole wheat flour (or 1 tbsp cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%) Adjust to your desired richness
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (stir well; bring to room temp slightly to help incorporation)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (avoid pre-grated for best melt/sheen)

Garnish and Optional Ingredients

  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional but recommended; substitute kale or arugula)
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole-wheat pasta until al dente (follow package times). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely.

Making the Sauce

  • Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it brown.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir for 30 seconds to form a light roux.
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to deglaze the pan and dissolve any browned bits. Then add the low-fat milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Remove the skillet from heat. Whisk in the Greek yogurt until smooth.
  • Stir in grated Parmesan until melted. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach a silky consistency.

Combining Ingredients

  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the baby spinach and toss until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  • Combine the sauce and chicken with the drained pasta in the pot or skillet. Toss until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a silkier sauce. For vegetarian, use chickpeas or roasted mushrooms and vegetable broth. For faster prep, use pre-cubed rotisserie chicken and skip to the sauce step.