A lightened-up creamy pasta dish made with Greek yogurt, whole wheat pasta, and tender chicken — comfort food that’s actually good for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A creamy pasta dish without heavy cream or butter.

• Packed with protein from chicken and Greek yogurt.

• Made with whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.

• Comes together in just 30 minutes.

• Comforting and satisfying while still being healthy.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat penne or fettuccine

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup low-fat milk (1% or 2%)

• ½ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds. Stir in the flour to make a roux, then whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until creamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return chicken to the skillet with the pasta and spinach. Toss until well coated and spinach is wilted.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.

• Swap spinach for kale or broccoli for extra veggies.

• Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.

• Use chickpea pasta or lentil pasta for a gluten-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt and Parmesan alternative, plus unsweetened almond milk in place of regular milk.

Does this reheat well?

Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Can I meal prep this pasta?

Absolutely! It holds up well in containers and makes a balanced lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that feels indulgent while staying light and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food with a healthy twist!