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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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A quick and healthy pasta dish made with whole wheat pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 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)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Pat chicken cubes dry, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant for 30-45 seconds. Sprinkle flour over garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
  4. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring, then add milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to thin.
  6. Return chicken to skillet, add pasta and spinach, and toss until everything is coated and spinach wilts. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently. For variations, swap pasta, protein, or adjust sauces as needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://voxrecipes.com/healthy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/