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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with grilled chicken and vegetables

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This lighter take on the classic garlic-Parmesan sauce features whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt, making it a comforting yet nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine Substitute penne for fettuccine or other whole grain pasta as needed.
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes Dry the chicken well before seasoning for better sear.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce Ingredients
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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 Temper yogurt before adding to sauce to prevent curdling.
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for better melting.
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional) Can be swapped for kale.
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided Used for cooking chicken and garlic.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook without moving too much until golden, then stir occasionally until cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the garlic and stir for 30 seconds to form a light roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Pour in the low-fat milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the plain non-fat Greek yogurt until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and baby spinach. Toss until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain sauce creaminess.

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