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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Dinner!

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This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that aligns with healthy eating goals. Packed with rich flavors from garlic and Parmesan, it’s a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare after a long day.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Whole wheat pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
  • Fresh garlic (6-8 cloves)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1% or skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • Light cream cheese
  • Fresh spinach
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Finely chopped broccoli florets
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the fresh garlic.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet in a single layer. Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove it from the pan.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and add another teaspoon of olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the milk and light cream cheese, whisking until smooth and bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Add the vegetables and cook for a few minutes until tender.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Nutrition

Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with cannellini beans or mushrooms. Feel free to vary the vegetables based on your preference, and always use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/healthy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-easy-dinner/