Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

Introduction

When you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious, you can’t go wrong with an Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This recipe combines tender chicken breast, rich garlic-parmesan flavor, and wholesome pasta to create a healthy dinner that tastes indulgent but is lightened up for everyday eating. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for guests—a true win-win for home cooks seeking big flavor and simple prep.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

The magic of this dish lies in its bold flavors and ease of preparation. With savory garlic, creamy parmesan, and lean chicken breast, you get a deeply satisfying meal that still fits into a healthy lifestyle. The secret? Balancing high-protein ingredients with just enough cheese and a shower of fresh herbs to keep each bite lively and fresh without weighing you down. It’s everything you love about classic pasta—with a lighter, weeknight-friendly twist.

Perfecting the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The sauce for this pasta is robust, silky, and comes together in minutes. Sautéed garlic in olive oil sets the foundation. Add a splash of chicken broth for depth, then stir in freshly grated parmesan for creamy texture and umami flavor. A dash of lemon juice brightens the dish, and a sprinkle of parsley adds a finishing flourish. The result? A sauce that’s lusciously light and lets every ingredient shine.

How to Cook Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein boost. Slice into thin strips or bite-sized chunks for quicker, more even cooking. Season generously with Italian herbs, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Sear over medium-high heat until golden on the outside and juicy inside—it’s a foolproof way to keep chicken both healthy and delicious in every bite.

Healthy Pasta Choices for Every Preference

To keep this recipe nutritious, opt for whole wheat, high-protein, or chickpea pasta varieties. These options add fiber and extra nutrients without sacrificing classic pasta texture or taste. The pasta acts as a perfect canvas, soaking up the garlicky, parmesan-laced sauce and melding beautifully with the tender chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad or oven-roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. For extra color and nutrition, toss in sautéed spinach, tomatoes, or steamed broccoli during the final minutes of cooking. Top each plate with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for an extra layer of freshness.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each serving includes lean chicken, a moderate portion of pasta, and a generous amount of flavorful sauce—typically ranging from 400–500 calories, with a balanced spread of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It’s a wholesome meal you can enjoy guilt-free.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain. Set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the cooked pasta.
5. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Sprinkle in parmesan, toss to combine, and add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce. Stir in lemon juice and, if using, baby spinach or other vegetables. Cook until spinach is wilted and ingredients are warmed through, about 2 minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an ideal candidate for weekly meal prep—it holds up well for lunches and reheats beautifully for quick dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to streamline your meal planning process and generate smart, organized shopping lists.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all recipes you plan
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery store aisles for maximum efficiency
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and ensures you never forget an ingredient
• Keeps your week’s cooking organized and stress-free

Pro tip: When blocking out multiple healthy dinners, schedule your meals to see exactly how your ingredients overlap. For instance, if two recipes require parmesan or fresh herbs, CookifyAI will automatically tally it up—no more guessing or overbuying!

Cook and Prep Times

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

Enjoy this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe as a delicious, healthy dinner solution that makes meal planning and shopping a breeze!