Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner
Introduction
Looking for a dinner that’s rich in flavor yet light enough for a weeknight? This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner is your answer. Bursting with juicy chicken, fragrant garlic, and a velvety Parmesan sauce, it delivers restaurant-quality taste while keeping things wholesome and simple. It’s the ideal choice for families, busy professionals, or anyone who wants a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.
Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Is a Weeknight Winner
This recipe shines because it brings together the tangy bite of Parmesan, mellow roasted garlic, and lean chicken breast—all tossed with your favorite whole grain or protein-rich pasta. The sauce is lightened up compared to traditional Alfredo styles, so you enjoy all the richness with less guilt. Its quick prep time and straightforward steps make it perfect for hectic evenings, yet it’s flavorful enough to serve when you’re entertaining.
The Secret to a Creamy, Lighter Sauce
The magic of the sauce comes from a combination of freshly grated Parmesan, low-fat milk, and a touch of starchy pasta water. By sautéing garlic in olive oil and then slowly blending in the cheese and milk, you get a silky, clinging sauce that coats every bite without the heaviness of butter or cream.
How to Build Flavor in Every Layer
Start by giving the chicken breasts a flavorful seasoning with Italian herbs and a pinch of paprika for depth. Cook until golden, then slice thin so every forkful is balanced with protein, pasta, and sauce. Use fresh garlic for boldness, and toss in some finely chopped parsley or baby spinach for color and extra nutrients just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top for a gourmet presentation. Garlic bread makes a wonderful side if you want something more indulgent!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields four hearty servings. Each serving averages about 410 calories, 31 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fiber (when made with whole wheat pasta), making it both satisfying and balanced—perfect for a healthy dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredients
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season chicken slices with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 4-6 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked and golden. Remove chicken from skillet and cover to keep warm.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in milk and add grated Parmesan, whisking until cheese is fully melted and sauce begins to thicken (about 2-3 minutes). If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until reaching your desired consistency.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Toss in cooked pasta and baby spinach or kale (if using). Stir gently to coat evenly in sauce, letting greens wilt.
- Finish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, stirring once more to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, topping with more Parmesan and a twist of black pepper if desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
This pasta is a meal prep powerhouse—batch-cook ahead and portion for quick weeknight dinners or hearty lunches. Want stress-free planning? Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan which days it fits your menu and instantly generate efficient shopping lists that cover all your planned meals.
Planning Benefits:
– Smart shopping lists combine all ingredients across your meal plan—no duplicates or missed items.
– Automatically organize groceries by aisle, making shopping much faster.
– See how ingredients overlap across recipes, helping you buy just what you need and reduce food waste.
– Customize serving sizes to match your family or week’s needs.
Pro tip: Use CookifyAI’s scheduling feature to coordinate this pasta with other healthy meals and see exactly how much chicken, milk, or greens you need for the week. Try it now for meal planning made effortless!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta not only satisfies cravings for something creamy and comforting, but it also slots seamlessly into healthy weekly meal plans—making dinner both delicious and stress-free.
