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–+ servings
Creamy healthy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and penne in a light parmesan sauce.
Callie Brooks

Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This lightened-up version of garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers all the creamy, comforting flavor without the heaviness. Made with wholewheat pasta, lean chicken, and almond milk, it’s the perfect quick and healthy dinner for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3 plates
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Healthy, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g wholewheat pasta
  • 250 g chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 240 ml unsweetened almond milk
  • 60 g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 60 g light cream cheese
  • salt & black pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • measuring cup
  • grater (for Parmesan)
  • knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook wholewheat pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Lower the heat and pour in almond milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then whisk in grated Parmesan and light cream cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your healthy garlic parmesan chicken pasta!

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 38gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 290mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture. For a dairy-free option, substitute vegan Parmesan and cream cheese. Customize with seasonal vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Always use unsweetened milk alternatives to maintain savory balance.

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