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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This healthy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is an easy and delicious weeknight meal. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces whole wheat penne or fettuccine pasta
Chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%)
  • 0.5 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sear in 1 tbsp olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté minced garlic in remaining 1 tbsp olive oil until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then slowly whisk in milk. Simmer until sauce thickens.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in spinach until wilted. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.