Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner That Actually Satisfies
There are weeknights when you want comfort without compromise something creamy, savoury, and filling, yet light enough that you don’t feel sluggish afterwards. This is exactly where a well-balanced chicken pasta earns its place. With tender chicken, aromatic garlic, nutty Parmesan, and a lighter cream base, this dish proves that healthy dinners don’t have to be dull or restrictive.
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is designed for real life. It’s quick enough for busy evenings, flexible with ingredients you already have, and satisfying in a way that keeps you from reaching for snacks later. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply want a reliable go-to, this recipe delivers flavour without excess.
Why This Pasta Works for a Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy eating often fails when meals feel like a punishment. The key is balance, not elimination. This recipe focuses on:
- Lean protein from chicken breast to keep you full
- Complex carbohydrates from pasta for steady energy
- Healthy fats in controlled amounts for flavour and satiety
- Bold seasoning so you don’t rely on heavy sauces
Instead of drowning the pasta in cream, we build flavour with garlic, stock, Parmesan, and a modest splash of cream or milk. The result is a silky sauce that clings beautifully without feeling heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients. Where possible, choose fresh and good-quality basics.
For the pasta and chicken:
- 300 g wholewheat or regular pasta (penne, fusilli, or linguine work well)
- 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the garlic Parmesan sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 200 ml low-fat single cream or semi-skimmed milk
- 100 ml chicken stock
- 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
Optional add-ins:
- Spinach, broccoli, or courgette for extra vegetables
- Chilli flakes for heat
- Lemon zest for freshness
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the pasta properly
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the packet instructions. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining—this will help loosen the sauce later if needed.
2. Season and cook the chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Build the garlic base
In the same pan, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. This step sets the foundation for the entire dish, so take care not to rush it.
4. Create the sauce
Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for a minute to deglaze the pan. Add the cream or milk and Italian seasoning, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Parmesan and bring it together
Stir in the grated Parmesan gradually, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Combine and finish
Return the chicken to the pan, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated. Add fresh parsley and any optional extras like spinach or chilli flakes. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds sauce better and improves texture.
- Control the garlic: Fresh garlic should be fragrant, not bitter. Burnt garlic can ruin the sauce.
- Use pasta water wisely: A small amount can transform a thick sauce into a silky coating.
Easy Variations to Suit Your Taste
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it ideal for different diets and preferences.
Make it extra veggie-packed
Add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach in the final step. This boosts fibre and nutrients without changing the flavour profile.
Go dairy-light
Swap the cream for unsweetened oat milk or extra chicken stock, and reduce the Parmesan slightly. You’ll still get plenty of flavour.
Add a zesty twist
Finish the dish with lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the richness of the sauce.
Turn it into a baked dish
Transfer the finished pasta to an oven dish, top with extra Parmesan, and bake at 190°C for 10–15 minutes until golden.
Nutritional Balance (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 480–520 kcal
- Protein: High (from chicken and Parmesan)
- Fat: Moderate, mainly from olive oil and cheese
- Carbohydrates: Balanced for sustained energy
This balance makes it suitable for active lifestyles and family meals alike.
Why This Is a Dinner You’ll Keep Coming Back To
Many “healthy” pasta dishes miss the mark by sacrificing taste or satisfaction. This one succeeds because it respects both nutrition and comfort. The garlic brings warmth, the Parmesan adds depth, and the chicken provides substance—without relying on excess cream or butter.
It’s also a recipe that scales beautifully. Double it for guests, portion it for lunches, or customise it to whatever vegetables are in your fridge. Few meals manage to be this practical and enjoyable at the same time.
Final Thoughts
A healthy dinner should leave you content, not craving more or regretting your choices. This pasta strikes that balance effortlessly. It’s rich without being heavy, quick without being careless, and comforting without tipping into indulgence.
Once you’ve tried it, it’s likely to become one of those reliable recipes you turn to again and again—proof that smart cooking can still feel like comfort food at its best.