Serve this dish warm on a shallow bowl. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side for balance. For a heartier meal, pair it with baked chicken like these baked boneless chicken thighs as a second protein or family-style main.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A quick and healthy dish combining whole wheat pasta, chicken, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Use room-temperature Greek yogurt to avoid curdling when adding to hot pan. Cook on low heat and stir gently until smooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Follow these steps to make the recipe easily and safely.
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- If you want a faster option, try cooking chicken in an air fryer first (see this guide to air fryer chicken breast) and then add it to the sauce.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Why make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This recipe is quick, healthy, and family friendly. Using whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt keeps the meal lighter while still creamy. It works well for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a simple weekend comfort meal. If you need a fast protein option, canned chicken can also work in a pinch — see ideas for canned chicken keto.
Tips to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use room-temperature Greek yogurt to avoid curdling when adding to hot pan.
- Cook the sauce on low heat and stir gently until smooth.
- Slice chicken small so it heats through fast and mixes well with pasta.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Try a sweet glaze on a side dish if you like contrast; inspiration: Chester’s honey chicken.
Variation: ways to change Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey for a different protein.
- Use low-fat or regular Greek yogurt to change richness.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for more veg.
- Make it for camping or foil-packet cooking — see a simple option with chicken foil packets.
How to store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 3–4 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a simple, creamy pasta with tender chicken and bright garlic flavor. It makes a quick dinner that feels special but is easy to cook.
FAQs about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
A: Yes. Regular yogurt works but it is thinner. Use less liquid elsewhere and heat gently to avoid splitting.
Q: Is this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta healthy?
A: Yes. Using whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt adds fiber and protein while keeping fat lower than heavy cream versions.
Q: Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then store in individual airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat with a small splash of water or milk.
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
A: You can freeze it up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on low heat.
Q: How do I stop the sauce from curdling?
A: Reduce heat to low before adding yogurt and stir continuously until smooth. Remove from very high heat.
Note: This article links to related recipes and tips across the site to help you try other cooking methods and side dishes.
