Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

Introduction

If you crave mouthwatering, comforting pasta dishes but also want to keep things wholesome, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your perfect solution. It brings rich flavor and creamy texture to your dinner table without compromising on nutrition—making it a true winner for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping.

Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a Crowd Pleaser

This recipe shines with its irresistible combination of tender, juicy chicken, a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The freshness of garlic and a sprinkling of Parmesan transform simple, healthy ingredients into an elegant meal that everyone will love. It’s quick, requires minimal cleanup, and will have your kitchen smelling absolutely amazing.

The Key to a Flavorful, Balanced Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Start with lean chicken breasts or thighs, searing them until golden, then simmering in a creamy—yet light—garlic Parmesan sauce. Pairing it with whole grain or chickpea pasta increases fiber and protein, while fresh spinach or broccoli adds vibrant color and extra nutrition. The garlic infuses the sauce with aroma and punch, while freshly grated Parmesan ensures a melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Simplified Steps for Family-Friendly Weeknight Success

Quickly sauté your chicken, whip up the garlicky sauce, and toss it all with cooked pasta and your favorite veggies. You’ll have a balanced, delicious dinner in just about 30 minutes—giving you more time to relax and enjoy your evening.

Healthy Serving Suggestions

Serve a heaping bowl of this pasta alongside a crisp green salad, or add extra sautéed vegetables for even more color. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy touch. Leftovers taste fantastic, making this meal great for tomorrow’s lunchbox, too.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, each offering a satisfying balance of protein, whole grains, and veggies. By using light milk or opting for a lower-fat cheese, you can keep calories around 400-450 per serving without sacrificing flavor.

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Recap

With its quick prep, wholesome ingredients, and irresistibly creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, this pasta recipe is destined to become a weeknight classic—proving that healthy dinners can be full of comfort and flavor.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a clean, organized shopping list with all ingredients grouped by grocery section—making healthy meal planning and grocery shopping easier every week!

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté 4-5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
4. In the same pan, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits. Lower heat to medium, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add spinach (or broccoli) and cooked chicken to the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes until veggies wilt and sauce thickens slightly. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, thinning the sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings. Squeeze in lemon juice for brightness if you like. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Weekly Meal Planning

Including this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in your weekly meal plan makes healthy dinners a breeze. Save and schedule this recipe to your CookifyAI meal planner. You’ll automatically generate a consolidated shopping list, sorted by grocery section, with all quantities calculated for your week of meals.

**Planning Benefits:**

• Ensures you buy exactly what you need—no overbuying, no forgotten ingredients
• Keeps meal prep efficient by grouping recipe steps and ingredients
• Makes it easy to scale up for family meal prep or leftovers
• Helps reduce food waste by overlapping ingredients across recipes

Pro Tip: When planning your week with CookifyAI, add another recipe using spinach, Parmesan, or chicken, and the system will automatically add up the totals for your shopping list. Try scheduling your recipes now and see how seamless meal planning becomes!

Cook and Prep Times

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

Enjoy a delicious, nutritious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—made for healthy living and effortless meal planning!