GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA

It feels like just yesterday I was a college student, surviving on instant noodles and the occasional box of mac and cheese. One night, craving something more satisfying (and less sodium-laden), I stumbled upon a rudimentary garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe, and it changed everything. I’ve spent years perfecting it, making it both healthier and tastier. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Let’s be honest, we all crave comfort food sometimes, but we don’t always want the guilt that comes with it. That’s where this recipe shines! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, but it’s also surprisingly healthy. I’ve made a few smart swaps to keep the calories and fat in check without sacrificing taste. And trust me, nobody will ever guess it’s “healthy”!

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory garlic, rich parmesan, and tender chicken, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a complete meal in one pot, ready in under an hour, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Get ready for a family favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already. I’ll also share some tips on substitutions and variations along the way.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 pound pasta: I prefer whole wheat penne or rotini for added fiber, but any pasta shape will work.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
• 4 cloves garlic: Minced. (Don’t skimp on the garlic!)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps create the sauce.
• 1/2 cup milk: I use 2% milk to keep it lighter.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best!
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: To thicken the sauce without adding extra fat.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Adds depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
• Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Vegetables: Add your favorite veggies, such as broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the garlic.
• Cheese: Try adding a sprinkle of mozzarella or provolone cheese for extra cheesy goodness.
• Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk, but remember this will increase the calorie count.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and healthy dinner on the table in no time.

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook it – al dente is best!
2. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
3. Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! The aroma should fill your kitchen – that’s how you know it’s ready.
5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. This prevents lumps!
6. Add the broth mixture: Pour the chicken broth mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will start to thicken.
7. Stir in the milk and Parmesan cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
9. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Make sure all the pasta is coated in that delicious sauce!
10. Season to taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to your liking.
11. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Success Tips: Guarantee Your Best Pasta Ever!

These golden tips will ensure your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a resounding success. I’ve learned these from years of making this dish, and they truly make a difference!

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When sautéing the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt beautifully and add the best flavor.
• Control the heat: Keep the heat on low when adding the milk and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. High heat can cause the sauce to curdle.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold its shape. Cook the pasta al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be slightly firm.
• Serve immediately: This dish is best served immediately. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t let it sit for too long.

Making It Even Healthier

While this recipe is already a healthier take on classic garlic parmesan chicken pasta, here are some extra tweaks you can make to reduce the calories and fat even further:

• Use whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber than white pasta, which can help you feel fuller for longer.
• Use lean chicken breast: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breast before cooking.
• Use low-fat milk: Skim milk or 1% milk can be used instead of 2% milk.
• Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese: Use less Parmesan cheese or substitute some of it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the added fat and calories.
• Add more vegetables: Adding more vegetables to the dish will increase the fiber content and add essential vitamins and minerals.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add a side dish, here are a few suggestions:

• A simple side salad: A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the rich pasta.
• Steamed vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and easy to prepare.
• Garlic bread: A classic pairing, but try using whole wheat bread and less butter to keep it healthier.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

Want to get a head start on dinner? Here’s how to prepare this dish in advance:

• Make the sauce ahead of time: The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding the chicken and pasta.
• Cook the chicken ahead of time: The chicken can be cooked up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add it to the sauce when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
• Store leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Other Garlic Parmesan Chicken Inspired Recipes

If you are in the mood for other related recipes, check these out! These are all so so good!

• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta
• Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce
• Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
• Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce

I absolutely love the ease of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes – it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal! But sometimes, I crave the creaminess of pasta, which is when I turn to Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – so easy and satisfying after a long day. For a quicker weeknight option, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta is a winner, the chicken bites are just so flavorful! And who can resist Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce? It’s a classic for a reason! If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder, Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is your go-to – minimal cleanup is always a plus! Finally, for those nights when you want a bit of crunch, the Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a total game-changer – the crispy coating is just irresistible!

Enjoy Your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe!

There you have it! My go-to Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and delicious. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own perfect version. Happy cooking!

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and healthier than traditional versions. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, it’s a complete meal that’s ready in under an hour and will become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Large skillet
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound pasta, such as penne or rotini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup milk, 2%
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, ensuring it is cooked al dente.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth.
• Pour the chicken broth mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring all the pasta is coated in the sauce.
• Season to taste with salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese as needed.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, sauté the garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil. To prevent the sauce from curdling, ensure the heat is on low when adding the milk and Parmesan cheese. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a little liquid if needed.