Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta! This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and nutritious, featuring tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s surprisingly light. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down.
What makes this recipe special is how it elevates simple ingredients into something truly memorable. The aromatic garlic and nutty parmesan create depth of flavor, while fresh vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional value. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile pasta dish is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and simple: Ready in just 45 minutes with straightforward steps anyone can follow
- Balanced nutrition: Lean protein, complex carbs, and vegetables all in one satisfying dish
- Flavor-packed: The garlic-parmesan combination creates rich flavor without excessive calories
- Versatile: Easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon garlic pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons (15g) reduced-fat grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 bag (8.5 oz) rotini pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons garlic pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon sugar substitute (stevia or Swerve)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Mix garlic pepper, parmesan, and red pepper in a bag. Add chicken pieces, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
- Heat skillet with cooking spray over medium-high. Add chicken, cook 4 minutes, flip, cook 2-3 minutes more until done
- Mix tomato sauce with garlic pepper, sweetener, and red pepper in a bowl
- Prepare pasta according to package directions
- Add pasta and sauce to chicken, simmer until warm and well mixed
Tips & Variations
- Veggie swap: Replace spinach with kale, arugula, or broccoli florets based on what you have available
- Protein options: Substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or white beans for a vegetarian version
- Make it creamier: Add an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a splash of half-and-half for a richer sauce
- Prep ahead: Cut chicken and vegetables in advance to make weeknight assembly even quicker
- Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free
- Add depth: For extra umami flavor, add 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes or a few chopped olives
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the meal. For a special touch, serve with a slice of whole grain garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
If you’re looking to enhance the presentation, serve in warmed pasta bowls with a final drizzle of good quality olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, and some additional grated Parmesan on top.
Notes
- The pasta will absorb sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers
- For meal prep, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shows no pink in the center
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged grated cheese
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving. Cook the pasta al dente, prepare the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate separately. Reheat the sauce gently, add the pasta and chicken, and finish with fresh spinach.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. You may need to adjust seasonings slightly to compensate for the flavor difference.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Medium shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work best as they hold the sauce well. Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine also works nicely, creating a more elegant presentation.
Can I freeze this dish?
While possible, this pasta is best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, slightly undercook the pasta and cool completely before storing. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture.
[recipe_card]
