Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Jump to Recipe

Let’s be honest—sometimes you want comfort food without the guilt that usually tags along with it. That’s where this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor, but it skips the heavy cream and butter. If you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to eat a little better without sacrificing taste, this is the weeknight dinner you’ve been dreaming about.

Whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, Greek yogurt instead of cream… see where we’re going with this? You get the indulgence and the goodness, all in one cozy bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

It’s creamy—but light: Greek yogurt gives you all the creamy satisfaction without any food guilt.
Quick & easy: From start to finish in under 40 minutes.
Kid-friendly & picky-eater approved: Cheese? Pasta? Chicken? Say less.
Meal prep dream: Reheats like a champ and makes for a killer next-day lunch.
One-skillet magic: Fewer dishes = more time for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple and wholesome. Here’s what you’ll grab:

8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp whole wheat flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%)
½ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach (optional but highly recommended)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your whole wheat pasta until it’s al dente (that slightly firm, perfect pasta bite!). Before draining, scoop out about ¼ cup of pasta water and save it—trust me, this little step is pure sauce-saving magic.

Set your drained pasta aside while we dive into flavor town.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Toss in your cubed chicken and season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—let the chicken breathe so it gets a nice sear!

3. Build That Dreamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (because we love easy cleanup), add your remaining olive oil. Sauté the garlic just until it’s fragrant—about 30–60 seconds. Garlic can go from fab to bitter in a flash, so keep an eye on it!

Now, stir in the whole wheat flour to make a light roux. This helps thicken the sauce and adds a touch of nutty flavor. Whisk in the chicken broth slowly to keep it lump-free. Add the milk and continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken—this takes about 2–3 minutes.

4. Add the Creamy Magic

Turn the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt. It’ll give your sauce that rich, creamy texture without the heaviness. Next, add the Parmesan and stir until it melts into the sauce.

Too thick? Just add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right.

5. Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken (plus all those tasty juices) back into the skillet. Toss in your cooked pasta and spinach. Give everything a good stir until it’s all coated in that velvety sauce and the spinach is just wilted.

It’ll smell so good, your family might already be lining up at the stove.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Divide it onto plates or bowls (or right from the pan—no judgment here). Top with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it hot and savor every bite.

Cooking Tips for Foolproof Results

Greek yogurt hack: Let it come to room temp before adding so it blends in smoothly without curdling.
Cheese matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes way more flavorful than the pre-shredded kind.
Pasta water = liquid gold: A splash can rescue your sauce if it tightens up too much.

A Little Kitchen Storytime

The first time I made this, I was scrambling for a dinner that checked all the boxes: fast, healthy, and something my picky 10-year-old wouldn’t side-eye. Let’s just say she polished her plate and asked if we could have it again tomorrow. From that day on, this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta earned a spot in our weekday rotation—and honestly, in my heart too.

Creamy Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with grilled chicken, spinach, and Parmesan served in a white bowl. — A delicious bowl of Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

FAQs About Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container and add a splash of milk when reheating to revive the sauce.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Whole wheat pasta gives a nice fiber boost, but you can swap in gluten-free or even chickpea pasta if you prefer.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Try unsweetened almond milk, dairy-free yogurt, and a vegan Parmesan alternative. The flavor will shift a bit, but it’s still delicious!

Can I skip the spinach?

Totally optional—but if you’ve got picky eaters, try chopping it super fine and mixing it in. They might not even notice (mom trick!).

Ready to Fall in Love with Pasta Again?

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta proves that comfort food doesn’t have to weigh you down. It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, all while sneaking in wholesome ingredients your body will thank you for. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this pasta is here to make your meal planning just a little more magical.

So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and let’s cook something beautiful together.

More Wholesome Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you loved this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’re going to want to add a few more of our favorite comforting (yet healthy-ish!) recipes to your weekly meal plan. Here are some delicious options that pair well with your wellness goals and your flavor cravings:

Craving more creamy pasta goodness with a high-protein twist? Don’t miss our Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta—it’s bold, a little spicy, and totally comforting.
For another protein-packed meal that’s rich and satisfying, this Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce offers a beefy spin on the flavors you just enjoyed.
If you’re looking to sneak more veggies into dinner, try the Rotisserie Chicken Zucchini Casserole. It’s creamy, easy to prep, and super family-friendly.
And on chilly days, curl up with a bowl of Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup—a cozy, comforting classic with a nutritious twist.

Feel free to explore more from Chicken Magic Recipes—where there’s always a new reason to fall in love with chicken.