Description
This healthy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a creamy, protein-packed twist on a classic comfort food, blending tender chicken, garlic, and savory parmesan in a lighter sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 8 oz whole wheat or chickpea pasta
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Gradually add parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. Stir in spinach or kale if using, until wilted.
- Let the mixture simmer for a couple more minutes to heat through before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Substitute dairy-free parmesan and milk for a lactose-free version.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
