HEALTHY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA: Top 4 Tips for Taste

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Your Weeknight Culinary Hero Awaits!

PART 1: Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Your New Go-To!

There’s something so comforting, so undeniably soul-satisfying, about a warm bowl of pasta, right?! But let’s be honest, those comfort food cravings often come with a side of guilt. What if I told you that indulgence and wellness could harmoniously share a plate? Imagine, if you will, a dish that dances on your taste buds with rich, savory flavors, yet leaves you feeling energized and nourished. Forget the heavy, cream-laden sauces of the past. Today, we’re embarking on a journey to create a masterpiece that redefines “comfort food” – a dish that’s not just delicious, but genuinely good for you. This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a total game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation!

Why This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Is a Winner!

It’s incredibly flavorful: The robust combination of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken creates a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. The garlic just sings, and that Parmesan? Chefs kiss! It’s super surprisingly light and healthy: We’re ditching the heavy creams for lighter, yet equally satisfying, ingredients. It’s quick and easy: Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe comes together without extensive effort. Seriously, you’ll be amazed how fast this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hits the table. It’s versatile: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. And finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike, making dinner stress-free. Trust me, your family’s gonna be asking for this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta on repeat!

The Foundation of Flavor: Smart Ingredients for Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

HEALTHY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA: Top 4 Tips for Taste

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• Author: Jena Ellison

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Description

A lighter, nourishing twist on classic comfort food: tender chicken, garlic, Parmesan, and wholesome pasta tossed in a creamy yet healthy sauce with fresh greens.

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Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk

Low-sodium chicken broth

Fresh garlic cloves, minced

Fresh spinach or kale

Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Whole wheat or desired pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)

Olive oil

Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

3. Mince garlic and chop fresh herbs. Wash and dry spinach.

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

6. Whisk milk/almond milk and chicken broth together, then pour into skillet. Simmer gently.

7. Optional: whisk cornstarch with water to create slurry. Stir into sauce until desired thickness is reached.

8. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

9. Return chicken to skillet. Stir in spinach/kale to wilt. Add pasta and toss to coat.

10. If using, stir in cherry tomatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta: keep it al dente.

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

Adjust creaminess with cornstarch slurry or extra broth.

Season as you go for best results.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior taste and melt.

• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: healthy pasta, garlic parmesan chicken, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy recipe

To create this ultimate Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need these fresh and wholesome components. We’re talking quality stuff here, folks!

Proteins & Dairy for Your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces – protein power!
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff makes a difference!) – don’t skimp on this, it’s crucial for our Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
• Low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk – our lighter creamy base.
• Low-sodium chicken broth – adds depth without all the extra salt.

Produce & Aromatics that Elevate Your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Fresh garlic cloves, minced (don’t be shy!) – The star of our Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! More garlic, more deliciousness.
• Fresh spinach or kale – sneak in those greens!
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for a pop of color and sweetness)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish – adds that fresh finish.

Pasta & Pantry Staples for Your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Whole wheat or desired pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti are great choices)
• Olive oil
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for thickening, if needed)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

PART 2: Crafting Your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Masterpiece

Let’s get cooking, people! This is where the magic happens and your kitchen fills with the most incredible aromas. Following these simple steps will ensure you get a perfect bowl of Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta every single time. It’s so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this sooner!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Prep Your Ingredients for Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook it!
2. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Mince garlic and chop fresh herbs. Get that garlic ready for action in our Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
4. Wash and dry spinach.

Cook the Chicken for Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Build the Delicious & Healthy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remember, that garlic is key to our Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
2. Whisk together milk/almond milk and chicken broth in a small bowl.
3. Pour liquid mixture into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. If thickening is desired, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer gently until the sauce slightly thickens to your liking.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. This sauce is pure gold for our Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Combine and Serve Your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
2. Stir in the fresh spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt into the sauce.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and coated in the sauce.
4. If using, stir in cherry tomatoes.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese. This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ready to devour!

Notes for Success with Your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up best in this dish.
• Use fresh garlic: The flavor is incomparably better than pre-minced. Seriously, it makes ALL the difference in your Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
• Adjust creaminess: For a thicker sauce, use a little more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, add more broth.
• Season as you go: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at each stage.
• Parmesan quality matters: Go for a block of real Parmesan and grate it yourself for the best flavor and melt. It’s worth it for this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Conclusion: Savor the Goodness!

There you have it – a truly magnificent, Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for well-being. This dish is designed to bring joy to your table, ease to your weeknight routine, and nourishment to your body. So, dim the lights, put on some relaxing music, and gather your loved ones. Indulge in the savory, garlicky goodness, knowing you’re making a healthy choice that tastes anything but. Go on, give this recipe a try, and let this become your new go-to comfort food. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!