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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta served in white bowl with fresh parsley

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy, protein-packed pasta made with Greek yogurt sauce instead of heavy cream. Perfect post-workout meal with 38g protein per serving.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 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
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach optional but recommended
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add cubed chicken breast, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, flip occasionally, until golden on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Don't let it brown. Next, sprinkle in the whole wheat flour and stir to form a light roux. Cook for about 30 seconds.
  4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the milk and continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken—this should take 2-3 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt. Mix well until fully incorporated. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches desired consistency.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices. Toss in the cooked pasta and add the spinach if using. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce and the spinach is just wilted.
  7. Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Let the yogurt heat gently (not boil) to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling. Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged for better taste and texture. Don't skip seasoning the chicken - the flavor carries through the whole dish. Add spinach right before serving so it stays bright and just barely wilted.