Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for busy families. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so you’ll have fewer dishes to wash afterward! This recipe is loaded with lean protein and wholesome ingredients, ensuring that you’re serving up a meal that’s not only delicious but nutritious too. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this pasta dish makes mealtime a breeze.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Making this dish is simple and straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how easily it comes together, even on a hectic weeknight. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Then stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until well combined, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is best enjoyed warm and freshly made. Serve it in generous bowls and sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan on top if you like! Pair it with a side of steamed veggies or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. If you have leftovers, they make for a great lunch the next day!
How to Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you have any leftovers (which is not likely, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to restore some creaminess!
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- If your kids aren’t fans of chicken, you can easily substitute it with turkey or even sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- For a little extra flavor, try adding some spinach or broccoli when you sauté the garlic—this boosts nutrition and adds nice color.
- Use low-fat Greek yogurt if you’d like to lighten up the recipe even more.
- Don’t have Parmesan on hand? Grated mozzarella or any hard cheese can work as a substitute.
Variation
Want to spice things up a bit? Consider adding red pepper flakes for some heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. You can also switch out the whole wheat pasta for gluten-free options if that’s your family’s preference!
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
2. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth handy, water mixed with a bit of apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute. Vegetable broth works well too, especially if you want to keep it vegetarian.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. The flavors will be different but just as tasty!
This creamy, comforting dish strikes the perfect balance of easy preparation and satisfying flavors, making it an excellent choice for any family dinner. Happy cooking!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A quick and flavorful creamy pasta dish with chicken, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Then stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until well combined, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat Greek yogurt and consider adding spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, garlic parmesan