Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
“Creamy, cheesy & guilt-free comfort in every bite!”
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz whole wheat penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Season and cook chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and diced onion. Sauté 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant – don’t let it burn!
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits. Add half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Stir in parmesan cheese gradually until melted. Add basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Combine and serve: Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss until well coated. Cook 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated parmesan – it melts better than pre-shredded
- Don’t overcook the pasta – it will cook more when tossed in the sauce
- Low heat for cheese – adding cheese over high heat causes it to grain
- Reserve pasta water – it helps adjust sauce consistency
- Slice chicken evenly – ensures all pieces cook at the same rate
Delicious Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes and add fresh jalapeño
- Lemon Upgrade: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Gluten-Free: Use chickpea pasta or gluten-free penne
- Lower Fat: Swap half-and-half for evaporated skim milk
Serving Suggestions
Family Dinner: Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop.
Wine Pairing: Pairs nicely with a light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Toppings: Add cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.