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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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  • Author: marina-freshwell
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Healthy

Description

A simple weeknight dish featuring whole wheat pasta, chicken, and a light 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. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  2. Season the cubed chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.
  3. For the sauce, lower the heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add flour, whisk in chicken broth and milk, and simmer until thickened.
  4. Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until smooth, then return chicken and pasta to the pan, tossing to combine. Add spinach until wilted.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap the milk for unsweetened almond milk and reduce Parmesan. This dish also works well with different greens or added mushrooms.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg