How to Make Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious, creamy dinner that’s not only quick but also healthy? I’m excited to share my Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe with you! This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet nutritious. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can create a meal that your whole family will love. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Packed with protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, making it a great choice for Healthy Protein Pasta.
• Rich and creamy without the guilt, thanks to wholesome ingredients.
• Versatile enough to add your favorite veggies or swap out the protein.
• Perfect for quick family dinners that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following 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 but recommended)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the cooking process! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy garlic pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain it and set it aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the cubed chicken breast, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until it gets golden on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. Don’t let it brown because it turns bitter fast. Next, sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and stir it into the garlic oil to form a light roux. Cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the milk and continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken—this should take 2–3 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt. Mix well until fully incorporated—this creates a creamy texture without the heaviness of cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash or two of your reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices that collected on the plate. Toss in the cooked pasta and add the spinach if using. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce and the spinach is just wilted.
6. Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• If you want to make this a Chicken Meal Prep Healthy option, divide the pasta into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
• For a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

How to Serve

This creamy garlic pasta is best served warm, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some crusty whole-grain bread for a complete meal. You can also check out my White Chicken Enchiladas for another delicious chicken dish that’s perfect for family dinners!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, cook the pasta, and combine everything. This is a fantastic option for weeknight dinner ideas that save you time!

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

For more healthy dinner inspiration, don’t forget to check out my Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout and Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Air Fryer recipes!