Name: Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz (285 g) whole-wheat or high-protein short pasta (penne/rotini); 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1-inch pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4 cup (170 g) plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or 2%); 3/4 cup (60 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Optional add-ins: 2 cups baby spinach or 1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets; pinch red pepper flakes; lemon zest to finish

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This healthy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that feels indulgent but is made with lighter, wholesome ingredients. I love how it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still tasting like a restaurant-worthy meal.

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy making this recipe because it combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and a silky Parmesan sauce without being overly heavy. I use Greek yogurt instead of cream to lighten it up while still keeping it rich and creamy. The whole dish is ready in under 30 minutes, which means I can have a delicious, hearty dinner on the table with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with my favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Whole wheat or protein pasta of choice
Low-sodium chicken broth
Greek yogurt
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then I drain and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook it until golden brown and fully cooked through.
I add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to deglaze the pan and infuse flavor.
I reduce the heat and stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
I add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing it well to coat with the sauce and chicken.
I finish by sprinkling fresh parsley on top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in roughly 25 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I like to mix things up by adding spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Sometimes I swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey breast. If I want a spicier kick, I add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a gluten-free option, I use chickpea or rice pasta.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently over low heat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, I can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

I can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I prefer short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the Greek yogurt sauce can separate when thawed, but it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If I want a thicker sauce, I simmer it a bit longer or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

I love this healthy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta because it’s a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. It satisfies my craving for something creamy and cheesy without the heaviness, and I can adapt it to whatever ingredients I have on hand. It’s one of my go-to weeknight dinners that never disappoints.