Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)
Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta with spinach, lightened with Greek yogurt and tossed with whole wheat noodles.
# Ingredients List:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
225 g whole wheat penne or fettuccine
02 -
1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 cm cubes
03 -
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
04 -
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
05 -
1/2 teaspoon paprika
06 -
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 -
Salt, to taste
08 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Sauce and Finish
09 -
1 tablespoon (8 g) whole wheat flour
10 -
240 ml low-sodium chicken broth
11 -
120 ml low-fat milk (1% or 2%)
12 -
120 g plain non-fat Greek yogurt
13 -
50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
60 g baby spinach
15 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 -
Cook whole wheat pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic and whole wheat flour; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 -
Lower heat to low. Blend in Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
05 -
Add cooked pasta and baby spinach to the sauce. Toss until pasta is evenly coated and spinach wilts into the mixture.
06 -
Divide among plates and finish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
If the sauce thickens excessively, add 15–30 ml reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
02 -
Pasta varieties such as rotini or farfalle can be used instead of penne or fettuccine.
03 -
Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken may be substituted for fresh chicken to reduce prep time.
04 -
Greek yogurt is utilized for creaminess with reduced calories compared to heavy cream.
05 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth.