Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

Introduction

With just the right combination of creamy, zesty, and comforting elements, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is your ticket to a healthy dinner that’s both nourishing and full of flavor. Each bite delivers tender bites of chicken, aromatic garlic, and a rich Parmesan sauce, all tossed with hearty whole wheat pasta. This recipe is weeknight-friendly, requires simple prep, and is sure to win over picky eaters and busy families alike.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

The magic of this dish lies in its balance of nutrition and indulgence. Lean chicken breast keeps it protein-rich and low in fat, while fresh garlic and Parmesan pack a flavorful punch. Using whole grain or high-protein pasta boosts the fiber content, making this recipe a smart option for a healthy dinner that feels anything but restrictive. Plus, everything comes together in under 30 minutes, so less time in the kitchen means more time enjoying dinner.

Crafting a Creamy, Healthy Parmesan Sauce

To achieve a guilt-free, creamy texture, this recipe relies on a lighter base—think low-fat milk or a splash of reserved pasta water instead of heavy cream. Finely grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, and a touch of Greek yogurt amps up the creaminess while keeping things light. Freshly minced garlic, simmered until fragrant, pairs beautifully with the rich cheese, creating a sauce that’s both savory and wholesome.

Assembling Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Once the chicken is cooked and the pasta is al dente, everything gets tossed together in the same skillet. The sauce gently coats each strand of pasta and chunk of chicken, infusing every bite with robust flavor. A sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan add a fresh finishing touch, turning a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy dinner.

Serving Suggestions for Ultimate Enjoyment

Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a crisp side salad or lightly steamed veggies for added nutrients and color. If you’re feeling extra festive, a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the final dish even further. This meal is wonderful for meal-prepped lunches, cozy dinners, or healthy meal planning all week long.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 hearty servings. Each serving typically contains around 390 to 430 calories, 32g protein, and 8g fiber, though nutrition will vary depending on your exact ingredients. With its balance of protein, whole grains, and healthy fats, it’s a satisfying and energizing option any night of the week.

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Recap)

Quick, customizable, and made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe brings together classic Italian flavors in a light and satisfying way. Ideal for busy nights or when you crave comfort with a healthy twist.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a sorted shopping list, making your grocery trips faster and healthier—all the ingredients you need, organized by store section!

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant (do not burn!).
4. Pour in the milk and bring just to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, then stir in Parmesan cheese and Greek yogurt until melted and the sauce is smooth. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss everything together until well coated.
6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges if you like.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect for meal planning and busy weeks. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to generate custom grocery lists that automatically calculate total ingredient amounts and optimize your shopping trip.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically sums up ingredient amounts across your planned recipes
• Categorizes your shopping list by store section
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Makes meal prepping faster and more intentional

Pro tip: Schedule this chicken pasta alongside other meals to see overlapping ingredients like garlic, Greek yogurt, or Parmesan in your shopping list. This reduces food waste and streamlines your week—CookifyAI does the math for you!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes