Cooking a delicious, satisfying dinner doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen or overloading on heavy cream and butter. This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers everything you crave: creamy texture, rich garlic flavor, and protein-packed goodness, all while keeping the meal balanced and healthy. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes like comfort food, this is the pasta recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make a creamy chicken pasta dinner using lean chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, and a Greek yogurt sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy. This recipe is perfect for clean eating, meal prep, and anyone who wants to enjoy pasta without the guilt.

Bowl of creamy garlic parmesan chicken penne pasta with spinach and parmesan garnish.

Why This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Works So Well
Ingredients for the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Variations for the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Final thoughts

Why This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Works So Well

There’s a reason this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. It combines the comfort of traditional creamy pasta with a health-conscious twist, giving you the best of both worlds.

Creamy, cheesy but not heavy: By swapping heavy cream for non-fat Greek yogurt and low-fat milk, you get that luscious sauce without excess fat.
Balanced nutrition: This healthy creamy pasta delivers high protein from chicken and yogurt, complex carbs from whole wheat pasta, and healthy fats from olive oil.
Quick and convenient: It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect easy weeknight pasta recipe.
Family-friendly: Mild flavors appeal to kids while still being flavorful enough for adults.
Customizable: Add spinach for greens, swap pasta shapes, or toss in sun-dried tomatoes for variety.

If you love dishes like my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Parmesan Pasta, you’ll appreciate how this one brings similar flavors in a lighter, fitness-friendly form.

Ingredients for the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

The secret to this skillet chicken pasta recipe lies in fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein that cooks quickly.
Whole wheat penne or spaghetti – Adds fiber and nutrients, making it a light chicken pasta meal.
Olive oil – A healthy fat for sautéing.
Garlic cloves, minced – Essential for that robust garlic flavor.
Whole wheat flour – Used for making a light roux to thicken the sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth – Enhances flavor without excess salt.
Low-fat milk – Keeps the sauce light.
Non-fat Greek yogurt – The healthy Alfredo alternative that makes this a creamy garlic chicken dish.
Grated Parmesan cheese – For savory richness.
Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt – Layers of flavor for the chicken and sauce.
Baby spinach (optional) – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness.
Fresh parsley – For garnish.

For a similar lighter pasta option, you might also enjoy my Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Follow these steps to create your creamy garlic chicken pasta dinner in one pan (after boiling the pasta).

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your whole wheat pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining—this will help you adjust the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Make the Roux

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in whole wheat flour and stir to form a roux. This step is key for creating a sauce that clings to the pasta.

Step 4: Add Broth and Milk

Slowly whisk in low-sodium chicken broth, making sure no lumps form. Add low-fat milk and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Incorporate Greek Yogurt and Parmesan

Remove skillet from heat before adding Greek yogurt to prevent curdling. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Fold in baby spinach if using.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot for the best creamy garlic chicken experience.

If you enjoy creamy pasta with a twist, you’ll also love my Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.

Pro Tips for the Best Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Avoid boiling the yogurt – This keeps the sauce smooth.
Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
Add spinach at the last minute – This keeps it bright and nutrient-rich.
Save pasta water – It’s perfect for loosening the sauce.
Season generously – Lean chicken needs well-balanced seasoning for maximum flavor.

For another creamy Parmesan dish with a cozy feel, try my Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup.

Variations for the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Pesto twist: Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto before serving.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy contrast.
Whole wheat spaghetti: Swap penne for a different texture.
Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Comfort food style: Serve with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

You can also explore other pasta comfort food ideas, like my Vegetarian Beef Stroganoff.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This creamy chicken pasta dinner is great for meal prep:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth.
Freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for best results.

For more ideas on lean chicken-based meals, check out my Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl.

Collage of creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with spinach, parmesan, and parsley served in different styles.

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with spinach and seared chicken in a rich parmesan sauce served in a bowl and skillet.

Final thoughts

The Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is proof that creamy pasta doesn’t have to be heavy. With lean chicken, Greek yogurt sauce, whole wheat pasta, and fresh garlic, it’s a simple chicken pasta dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick healthy dinner, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and balanced nutrition.

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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