Name: Healthy and Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 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; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach (optional but recommended); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

I absolutely love sharing this Healthy and Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe with friends because it’s one of those dishes that perfectly balances comfort and nutrition. It’s a flavorful, creamy pasta that feels indulgent without the guilt, thanks to wholesome ingredients like whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt. Every time I make it, I’m amazed at how quickly it comes together and how everyone raves about the garlicky, cheesy sauce—it’s truly a delicious weeknight winner.

Why You'll Love This Healthy and Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out for me is the incredible depth of flavor packed in every bite. The garlic and Parmesan cheese create this irresistible savory base, while the paprika and Italian seasoning on the chicken add a subtle smoky warmth that keeps you coming back for more. I love that it’s creamy and rich, but thanks to the use of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt, it feels light and refreshing—never heavy or greasy.

On top of that, it’s incredibly easy to whip up. I usually start this recipe after a busy day because it only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, so it’s perfect when I want a satisfying meal without fussing over complicated steps or hard-to-find items. I find it’s a real crowd-pleaser, great for casual dinners but elegant enough for family gatherings or entertaining friends.

Honestly, I think this dish is the perfect blend of healthy and indulgent that makes weeknight dinners exciting again. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to because of its simplicity, comforting flavors, and the way it fills the kitchen with a delicious aroma. If you want a dependable, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy, this Healthy and Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a black pan filled with evenly browned small cubes of cooked chicken scattered across the pan, each piece with a golden brown crust and visible herbs like chopped parsley sprinkled on top. The chicken pieces show a slightly shiny texture from the oil or sauce in the pan, with small pepper specks and a few browned spots adding to the cooked look. The pan is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something important to the dish. From the nutty taste and texture of whole wheat pasta to the punch of fresh garlic, every component plays a role in building flavor and balance.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Whole wheat penne or fettuccine: adds a nutty flavor and boosts fiber for a healthier base.
Olive oil: lends a rich richness while keeping the dish light and heart-healthy.
Garlic cloves: provide that essential savory, aromatic punch that defines the sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: the lean protein that makes this meal satisfying and filling.
Paprika and Italian seasoning: create a flavorful, smoky, and herby layer that elevates the chicken.
Whole wheat flour: helps thicken the sauce naturally without heaviness.
Low-sodium chicken broth: adds depth and umami without overpowering sodium.
Low-fat milk: keeps the sauce creamy yet light and balanced.
Plain non-fat Greek yogurt: boosts protein and creates a luxuriously smooth texture while keeping things healthy.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: brings a sharp, tangy finish that makes the pasta irresistible.
Baby spinach: optional but recommended for color, nutrients, and a fresh contrast.
Salt and black pepper: essential seasoning to elevate every ingredient.
Fresh parsley: for a bright, herby garnish that’s perfect just before serving.

Directions

Step 1: Start by cooking 8 ounces of whole wheat penne or fettuccine according to the package directions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce and chicken.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts seasoned with ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic directly into the skillet with the chicken, cooking it until fragrant—around 30 seconds to 1 minute—being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of whole wheat flour over the chicken and stir well to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Slowly pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and ½ cup of low-fat milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently until it starts to thicken—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in ½ cup of plain non-fat Greek yogurt and ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the sauce becomes luscious and creamy. Do not let the sauce boil at this stage to prevent the yogurt from curdling.

Step 7: Add the cooked pasta and 2 cups of baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and the spinach has just wilted.

Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot immediately. This is when all the flavors shine and the dish looks stunningly appetizing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 hearty servings, perfect for feeding a small family or for leftovers the next day. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and about 15 minutes cooking, totaling approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time needed, so you can dive right into this delicious dinner as soon as it’s ready.

How to Serve This Healthy and Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta showing three main layers: the base layer of pale yellow penne pasta, creamy and shiny; a middle layer of wilted dark green spinach leaves scattered around; on top, several pieces of golden brown grilled chicken with visible char marks and a sprinkling of finely grated white cheese and chopped green herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, I like to pair it with something fresh and crisp, like a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. The brightness of the salad beautifully contrasts the creamy sauce, and adding some crunchy garlic bread on the side keeps things comforting without being heavy.

For presentation, I find that sprinkling a little extra Parmesan and fresh parsley right before serving makes the dish look inviting and gourmet. Using wide, shallow bowls gives the pasta room to spread out and showcase the spinach leaves and golden chicken pieces. I often serve it piping hot so the sauce stays beautifully creamy, but it’s also great gently warmed the next day if you want to prep in advance.

As for drinks, this recipe goes brilliantly with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay. If you prefer non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or iced tea adds a refreshing touch. I often make this recipe for weeknight family dinners, but I’ve also brought it to potlucks and casual gatherings because it’s always a hit. It’s versatile, satisfying, and keeps everyone smiling around the table.

Variations

I love how adaptable this recipe is for different tastes and dietary needs. If you want to make it gluten-free, simply swap the whole wheat pasta for a gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. For a vegan twist, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, use plant-based milk, and swap the Parmesan and Greek yogurt for vegan cheese and yogurt alternatives. It’s surprisingly easy to customize without losing the soul of this dish.

If you want to switch up the flavor profile, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the sauce for a sweet, tangy kick. You could also stir in some crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, or fresh basil leaves at the end for an herby freshness. Another great idea is to cook the chicken under the broiler or grill it first to add a smoky char that adds depth to every bite.

Different cooking methods work well too — I sometimes use a one-pan method where I cook the pasta right in the skillet with the broth and sauce ingredients to infuse more flavor, reducing cleanup and tightening the recipe even more. Playing around with the greens is fun as well; kale, arugula, or Swiss chard can substitute for spinach to vary the texture and taste.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer the pasta into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with a tight seal to keep the flavors fresh and prevent drying out. The leftovers will stay good for up to 3 days, making it excellent for easy lunches or second dinners.

Freezing

This recipe can be frozen, but I suggest freezing it without the spinach to preserve texture. Place the cooled pasta and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh spinach when reheating to keep it vibrant and fresh.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to re-emulsify the sauce. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick or dry. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can cause the sauce to separate and the pasta to get mushy. Taking your time to reheat slowly really helps maintain that creamy, silky texture I love about this dish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a slightly juicier and richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking, and watch your cooking time as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Is it okay to substitute plain Greek yogurt with sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream, but I prefer Greek yogurt because it adds protein and a cleaner tang without extra fat. Sour cream might make the sauce a bit richer and less healthy, but it still works well if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep everything ahead of time, including cooking the chicken and pasta separately and making the sauce. Just wait to combine and wilt the spinach right before serving to keep it fresh. Reheat gently on the stove, and you’ll have a quick, delicious meal ready to go.

What can I use if I don’t have whole wheat pasta?

Any pasta you love will work! Regular semolina pasta, chickpea pasta for extra protein, or even gluten-free pasta will all be delicious. Just adjust cooking times as needed according to the package instructions.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicy kick, I recommend adding crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or stirring in some hot sauce to the final sauce before combining the pasta. You could also top the dish with sliced jalapeños or serve it alongside a spicy chili oil for dipping.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a meal that’s flavorful, comforting, and healthy all at once, I can’t recommend this Healthy and Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe enough. It’s quick to make, packed with delicious layers of flavor, and just feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you have as much fun making and eating it as I do sharing it with the people I love!