Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

BySarah

If you’re anything like me and love meals that are hearty, flavorful, but still feel a bit on the healthy side, you’re going to adore this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s creamy, garlicky, packed with tender chicken and wholesome pasta, and all without any heavy cream or fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it becomes your go-to comfort food that’s also smart eating. Ready to dive into something that tastes indulgent but leaves you feeling good? Let’s go!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavor: The garlic and Parmesan combine for that rich, savory taste without needing heavy cream.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Using whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt adds fiber and protein while cutting calories.
  • Simple Technique: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef—step-by-step, this recipe is straightforward and quick.
  • Versatile Dish: Swap spinach for other greens or add veggies you love for personal flair.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, healthy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipes, creamy garlic chicken pasta, weeknight dinner ideas - Small square pieces of cooked chicken with golden brown sear marks are spread evenly in a black frying pan. Each piece has specks of black pepper and green herbs scattered on top. The pan shows some oil glistening around the chicken pieces, creating a shiny and slightly wet texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a part in keeping it creamy, flavorful, and nourishing. Using whole wheat pasta brings nuttiness and fiber while Greek yogurt is the secret weapon that keeps the sauce luscious without the guilt.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, healthy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipes, creamy garlic chicken pasta, weeknight dinner ideas - Flat lay of whole wheat penne pasta arranged neatly, a few garlic cloves whole and unpeeled, cubed raw boneless skinless chicken breasts in a simple pile, fresh baby spinach leaves spread out, a small white ceramic bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl filled with olive oil, a small white bowl of whole wheat flour, another small white bowl holding low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl with low-fat milk, a small white bowl containing plain non-fat Greek yogurt, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, and whole brown eggs placed symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Whole wheat penne or fettuccine: I love how the whole wheat texture gives a bit of chew and adds nutrients compared to regular pasta.
  • Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing chicken and garlic, adding subtle richness.
  • Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic really makes the dish pop with that unmistakable aroma and flavor.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, perfect for soaking up spices and sauce.
  • Paprika & Italian seasoning: These boost the chicken with a gentle smoky and herbaceous kick.
  • Whole wheat flour: Just a touch to help thicken the sauce naturally.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth without overpowering saltiness.
  • Low-fat milk (1% or 2%): Keeps things creamy and light.
  • Plain non-fat Greek yogurt: This is the magic ingredient replacing heavy cream; tangy, creamy, and high in protein.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Nothing beats fresh for that sharp umami punch.
  • Baby spinach: Optional but I highly recommend it for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential to balance and brighten all those rich flavors.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, herbal garnish that brings the whole dish together.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I’ve played around with it so many times, sometimes swapping protein or adding extra veggies, and it always works beautifully.

  • Variation: I sometimes swap chicken for shrimp, which cooks faster and gives a lovely seafood twist.
  • Make it vegan: Try using a plant-based Parmesan alternative and coconut milk with vegan yogurt for a dairy-free take.
  • Extra veggies: Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini spiral noodles make great additions or swaps.
  • Kick of spice: Add red chili flakes if you like a little heat; it complements garlic and Parmesan wonderfully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by boiling salted water and cooking your whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t overcook it—you want a little bite to stand up against the creamy sauce later. When it’s ready, drain it but save a cup of pasta water; trust me, that starchy water can save your sauce if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the cubed chicken breasts tossed with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear them until golden brown and cooked through—usually about 5-7 minutes. Getting a nice crust here adds tons of flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add your minced garlic, cooking just for a minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn). Sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and stir to make a roux—this thickens the sauce naturally. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk until the sauce begins to thicken and bubble gently.

Step 4: Add Greek Yogurt and Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat (to avoid curdling) and stir in the Greek yogurt and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This step turns the sauce into a creamy, tangy wonder without the heaviness of cream. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating that silky texture we’re aiming for.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Finish with Spinach

Return to low heat and toss in your cooked pasta, chicken, and baby spinach. Stir just until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve Hot with Fresh Parsley

Serve immediately, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley to brighten the flavors and add a lovely herbal note. Grab a fork and enjoy—you’ve got a winner on your hands!

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Cut the chicken into even cubes so they cook uniformly, and don’t rush the searing process—it locks in flavor.
  • Gentle Heat for Sauce: Adding Greek yogurt off the heat prevents it from curdling and keeps your sauce perfectly smooth.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water—it’s magic for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavors.
  • Fresh Parmesan is Key: Using freshly grated cheese over pre-grated makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, healthy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipes, creamy garlic chicken pasta, weeknight dinner ideas - A white bowl filled with creamy penne pasta as the base layer, smooth and pale yellow with a glossy texture. On top of the pasta are wilted dark green spinach leaves spread evenly. The dish is topped with several pieces of grilled golden-brown chicken with visible grill marks and sprinkled lightly with finely chopped herbs. The sauce coating the pasta and spinach looks creamy with a slightly shiny finish, blending in with the ingredients. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish with a handful of freshly chopped parsley because it adds brightness and a fresh herbal punch that lifts the rich sauce. A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top never hurts either, especially if you have cheese lovers at your table.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. I also love serving it alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. Another fun twist is layering it in small glass jars for casual picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve a bit after resting, but I recommend reheating gently to maintain that creamy texture.

Freezing

While I’ve frozen this recipe before, I find the texture is best if you freeze just the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Reheat the sauce slowly and toss with freshly cooked pasta to avoid mushiness.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps keep it creamy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While whole wheat penne or fettuccine is my favorite for this dish, you can use any short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.

  2. Is Greek yogurt really a good substitute for heavy cream?

    Yes! Greek yogurt gives a creamy texture and tangy flavor with much less fat and calories. Just be sure to add it off the heat to avoid curdling and keep the sauce silky smooth.

  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

    You can prepare and season the chicken a day ahead, but I recommend cooking pasta fresh and combining everything just before serving to maintain the best texture.

  4. What if I don’t have whole wheat flour?

    No worries! You can substitute with all-purpose flour or cornstarch. Just mix cornstarch with a little water first to make a slurry, then add to the sauce to thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a big warm hug after a long day. I’ve made it countless times, tweaking here and there, yet it never fails to impress family and friends. I hope you try it, tweak it your way, and enjoy every comforting bite as much as I do. If you want a satisfying, wholesome dinner that’s quick and fuss-free, this is your recipe. Happy cooking!

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