Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a gathering, this recipe fits the bill.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy pasta but wants a healthier twist. Using whole wheat pasta adds fiber, and Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture without all the extra calories from heavy cream. Plus, it’s packed with flavor from the garlic and Parmesan cheese. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean chicken breast
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, add the chicken breast and cook over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish hot right out of the skillet. You can plate it individually or serve it family-style in a large bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Cook the chicken breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste—add more if you love that strong flavor!
- For a little extra zest, you can add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Variation
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes. Simply sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes, you can use regular pasta if you prefer, but whole wheat adds more fiber and nutrients.
2. Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use sour cream or a dairy-free alternative if you need to.
3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and makes for a great lunch the next day. Just follow the storing instructions above.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean chicken breast
- 1 cup Greek yogurt Can substitute with sour cream or dairy-free alternative.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Adjust quantity according to taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, add the chicken breast and cook over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.