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easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe for a healthy dinner

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A comforting and wholesome weeknight meal featuring tender chicken and rich cheesy sauce with pasta, perfect for busy evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces Ensure pieces are evenly sized for even cooking.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided Used for cooking chicken and sautéing garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning Adds flavor to the chicken.
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste Season according to preference.
  • 8 ounces whole wheat or protein pasta (like penne or fusilli) Cook according to package directions.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for best flavor.
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth Adds depth to the sauce.
  • 1 cup 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk Choose according to dietary preference.
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach Added at the end for freshness.
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving Use freshly grated for better melting.
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or light cream cheese Adds creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free) For thickening the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and reduce the heat to medium.
  5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  6. 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.
Cooking
  1. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic in the skillet and whisk for 30 seconds to remove the raw taste.
  2. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then, whisk in the milk.
  3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the parmesan cheese and Greek yogurt until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until just wilted.
  6. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or chickpeas. For lower-carb options, consider using gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.