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Lightened Up Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

lightened up creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy 30-minute creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta that uses Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier sauce without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta (or your favorite pasta shape – fettuccine or penne)
  • Reserved pasta water (about 1 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken (5 minutes): Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Cook the Pasta (10 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before you drain it, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Sear the Chicken (8 minutes): While the pasta is boiling, heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized strips.
  4. Build the Sauce Base (5 minutes): Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Deglaze and Simmer (3 minutes): Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with your wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
  6. Temper the Yogurt: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and about ¼ cup of the reserved hot pasta water until smooth.
  7. Create the Creamy Sauce (2 minutes): Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour the tempered yogurt mixture into the skillet while whisking constantly. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Combine and Serve (2 minutes): Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently using tongs, adding more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce seems too thick. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Temper the Greek yogurt with hot pasta water before adding to the pan to prevent curdling. Grate your own Parmesan cheese for a smooth sauce. Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need. Best served immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, lightened up pasta, healthy pasta recipe, 30-minute meal, Greek yogurt pasta, weeknight dinner, chicken pasta recipe

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/lightened-up-creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-easy-30-min-recipe/