Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor—all while being a lightened-up version of a classic comfort dish. I make it with lean chicken breast, a homemade garlic parmesan sauce, and whole wheat or protein-packed pasta for a meal that’s hearty but balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings all the richness of garlic parmesan pasta without the heaviness of cream-based versions. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and easy to adjust to what I have on hand. The garlic and cheese bring bold flavor, while the chicken adds filling protein, and the pasta ties it all together in a creamy, nutritious dish.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Whole wheat or chickpea/lentil pasta

• Low-sodium chicken broth

• Low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese (for extra creaminess)

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. I cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. I pour in the chicken broth and milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

5. I whisk in the Greek yogurt (or low-fat cream cheese) and parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

6. I return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta, tossing everything together until well coated.

7. I let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the sauce fully clings to the pasta, then garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to cook, so I can have dinner on the table in under 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for extra veggies. If I want a little kick, I sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes. I also swap out the chicken for shrimp when I’m in the mood for seafood. For a dairy-free version, I use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan and oat milk instead of dairy.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce and warm it over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I do that when I need to save time. I shred it and stir it into the sauce after it’s warmed up.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and keeps its flavor and texture for a few days in the fridge.

Can I make it gluten-free?

I just use gluten-free pasta and double-check my broth and cheese to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

Low-fat cream cheese or even a small amount of light sour cream works well if I want a creamy texture without the tang.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I usually don’t freeze it because the sauce texture changes slightly, but if I do, I let it cool completely, portion it, and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has become one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting yet nutritious. The creamy garlic sauce, lean chicken, and wholesome pasta make it a satisfying dish I feel good about eating—and it comes together in a snap.