Jacy Craving a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly wholesome weeknight meal? Look no further. This creamy, flavorful dish is the perfect solution for busy evenings, combining tender chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s the ultimate easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe for a healthy dinner that feels indulgent without the guilt. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this one-pan wonder simplifies the process of creating a classic garlic parmesan pasta that the whole family will request again and again. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces whole wheat or protein pasta (like penne or fusilli)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or light cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. While the garlic cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic in the skillet and whisk for 30 seconds to cook out the raw taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then, whisk in the milk.
5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the parmesan cheese and Greek yogurt until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is the heart of your garlic parmesan pasta.
6. Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until just wilted. Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes. You’ve just mastered the easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe for a healthy dinner.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Pasta Choice: Use gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash for lower-carb options.
- Extra Veggies: Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or broccoli florets along with the spinach for more color and nutrients.
- Herb Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for a brighter flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve this pasta hot, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and a slice of crusty whole-grain bread. To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe offers a balanced meal with lean protein from the chicken to support muscle repair, calcium from the parmesan for bone health, and fiber from the whole wheat pasta and spinach for digestive wellness. Using Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess without excessive saturated fat, making it a smarter choice than heavy cream-based sauces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Garlic: Burnt garlic tastes bitter. Cook it just until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, grate a block of parmesan yourself.
- Skipping the Flour: The flour is crucial for thickening the sauce. If you omit it, your sauce may be too thin. For a gluten-free thickener, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and add it in step 5.
- Crowding the Pan: When browning the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to get a nice sear instead of steaming the meat.
Final Conclusion
This creamy, satisfying dish proves that a delicious dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or unhealthy. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe for a healthy dinner is a guaranteed winner for any night of the week. The combination of savory garlic, rich parmesan, and tender chicken creates a timeless flavor that everyone loves. We encourage you to try this versatile garlic parmesan pasta, make it your own with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy the warmth of a homemade meal that nourishes both body and soul.
FAQs
Can I make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth or milk to refresh the creamy consistency.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the sauce?
Full-fat or light sour cream, mascarpone cheese, or a few tablespoons of light cream cheese are all excellent substitutes that will maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Cool the pasta completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How can I make this dish lower in carbohydrates?
For a low-carb version, replace the traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles), shirataki noodles, or cooked spaghetti squash. Add them directly to the sauce at the very end to warm through.
My sauce turned out too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your sauce is runny, create a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk this into the simmering sauce and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
