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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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A quick and delicious garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that’s healthy and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
  • 12 oz whole wheat penne, rotini, or fettuccine
  • Water for boiling pasta
  • 1 tbsp sea salt for pasta water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium shallot, finely diced (optional)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or skim milk
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach, washed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Juice of ½ a lemon (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken & veggies: Pat the chicken dry and cut it into 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, toss it with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Set aside while you prep the veggies. Mince the garlic, dice the shallot (if using), halve the cherry tomatoes, and wash the fresh spinach.
  2. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1-1.5 cups of that starchy pasta water before you drain it! Drain the pasta but do not rinse.
  3. Sear chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  4. Sauté aromatics & deglaze: Lower the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil into the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, diced shallot (if using), and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in broth, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Build sauce & add Parmesan: Stir in almond or skim milk, allowing it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
  6. Combine & adjust: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Add fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes, stirring gently. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in lemon juice for added zing, if using.
  7. Garnish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Divide into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Pairs well with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. You can freeze individual portions for about a month.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pinrecipezbylinaa.com/healthy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/

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