Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

Introduction

If you’re searching for a dinner option that’s big on flavor but light on effort, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fits the bill perfectly. Combining juicy, seasoned chicken with a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce and wholesome pasta, this dish strikes a delicious balance between comfort food and a healthy, family-friendly meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a simple, satisfying dinner that won’t derail your wellness goals.

Why This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Is a Must-Try

What sets this recipe apart is its vibrant garlic-Parmesan flavor and silky sauce, made with lighter ingredients for a healthier spin. The pasta absorbs every bit of the creamy sauce, and the chicken adds a boost of protein, keeping the meal filling and well-rounded. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser that’s quick to assemble and makes leftovers you’ll actually look forward to.

Building a Healthier Parmesan Cream Sauce

For a lighter but still luscious cream sauce, use low-fat milk rather than heavy cream and opt for freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor at a fraction of the calories. Sautéing garlic in a touch of olive oil unlocks its aroma, infusing the sauce with irresistible depth. Add a splash of chicken broth for extra richness without heaviness.

The Key to Perfectly Seasoned Chicken

Season boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper before searing. Cook until golden outside and juicy inside, then slice and toss with the pasta and sauce so every bite is loaded with flavor. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or spinach gives this dish a nutritious, vibrant finish.

Serving Suggestions & Healthy Pairings

Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli for a well-rounded, health-conscious meal. Add a wedge of lemon for brightness, or top with extra fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves four. Each portion typically contains about 390-430 calories, 33g protein, and is a balanced source of carbs and healthy fats. This keeps it suitable for those prioritizing nutritious, wholesome dinners.

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Recap)

With its garlicky aroma, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken, this pasta delivers all the comfort of classic Italian flavors in a lighter, healthier form. It’s easy, approachable, and sure to become a weeknight staple.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a categorized shopping list—ingredients are sorted by store section, streamlining your grocery trip and helping you plan balanced, healthy dinners throughout the week.

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, then cook the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Whisk in the low-fat milk and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer; cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted. If using, add spinach and cook until just wilted.
7. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
8. Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This dish makes for an easy prep-ahead lunch or dinner and is perfect for including in your weekly meal rotation. Save and schedule this recipe on CookifyAI to create coordinated meal plans for the week, ensuring you shop smart by combining ingredient totals and organizing your shopping list by aisle.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient amounts for all planned recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section
• Reduces duplicate buys and last-minute trips
• Makes healthy meal prep more efficient and stress-free

Pro tip: When planning multiple healthy dinners, schedule all your recipes so your shopping list tallies overlapping items—like herbs and chicken—saving time and reducing food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe as your next simple, healthy dinner solution!