Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese with tender chicken and wholesome whole wheat pasta. It’s quick to make, requiring minimal prep and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. With its creamy sauce and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the use of Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream adds a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. This pasta dish also works great for meal prep, so feel free to make a larger batch for leftovers.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like more flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- To make it extra creamy, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water when mixing in the yogurt and cheese.
- Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe to include shrimp or turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms or a variety of your favorite vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber but regular pasta will work just fine.
2. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or cream cheese can be used as substitutes, though the flavor and texture may change slightly.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, add some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken or include diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta Can substitute with any type of pasta
- 1 lb lean chicken breast, diced Can substitute with shrimp or turkey
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup Greek yogurt Can substitute with sour cream or cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more if desired
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic recommended for best flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust to your preference
- Fresh parsley for garnish Optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.