Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner 🍝🧄🧀
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that’s both healthy and family-approved? This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta — all tossed in a light garlic-parmesan sauce that feels indulgent but is actually wholesome! 🌿 A weeknight hero meal that’s comforting, budget-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes.
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce:
8 oz (225g) whole wheat pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rotini work well)
2 tbsp olive oil or light butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach (optional but adds nutrients 🌿)
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk (low-fat or unsweetened almond milk for lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup Greek yogurt (or light cream cheese for extra creaminess)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the chicken:
Season chicken cubes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic parmesan sauce:
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil or butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in chicken broth and milk, then bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Thicken the sauce:
Whisk in Greek yogurt (or cream cheese) and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine everything:
Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well until pasta is coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
6. Garnish & serve:
Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Tips & Variations:
✅ Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a low-carb option.
✅ Swap chicken with shrimp or turkey for variety.
✅ Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
✅ Double the batch and store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days (great for meal prep!).