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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A comforting and nutritious garlic parmesan chicken pasta dish that brings warmth and togetherness to your dinner table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine Adds fiber and a nutty flavor.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best for flavor.
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed Fresh chicken is recommended.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%)
  • 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt Can be substituted with almond yogurt for a vegan option.
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated offers richer taste.
  • 2 cups baby spinach Optional but recommended for added nutrition.
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook your whole wheat penne or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Building Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir to combine, cooking for another minute.
Completing the Sauce
  1. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and low-fat milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Once it starts to thicken, reduce the heat and mix in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan, allowing the cheese to melt.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. If using, stir in the baby spinach and mix everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serving
  1. Divide into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy your delightful, wholesome meal!

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken and pasta are cooked simultaneously for a warm meal. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.