Can I substitute the cream?

Yes! Try Greek yogurt or unsweetened almond milk with a cornstarch slurry if you're keeping it lighter.

What kind of pasta works best?

Penne holds the sauce well, but fusilli or rotini work too. Want to stay on track with easy chicken protein meals ? Opt for chickpea or lentil-based pasta.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. This is one of those easy healthy hearty meals that tastes just as good the next day—if not better.

Creamy, Clean, and Crave-Worthy: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy, Clean, and Crave-Worthy: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast – for lean protein; 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil – to sear the chicken; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – adds herby, savory flavor; ½ tsp paprika – for warmth and color; Salt and pepper – to taste; ; 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil – for the sauté; 1 tbsp unsalted butter – adds a rich base; ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) – builds the flavor; 4-6 large garlic cloves, minced – adds aromatic depth; 8 oz dry penne pasta – use regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta; 2 cups chicken broth – deglazes and cooks the pasta; 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – for the creamy sauce; ½ cup heavy cream – makes it rich and smooth; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – bright finish

Description

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect healthy comfort food. Quick, easy, and packed with protein, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast – for lean protein

1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil – to sear the chicken

1 tbsp Italian seasoning – adds herby, savory flavor

½ tsp paprika – for warmth and color

Salt and pepper – to taste

1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil – for the sauté

1 tbsp unsalted butter – adds a rich base

½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) – builds the flavor

4–6 large garlic cloves, minced – adds aromatic depth

8 oz dry penne pasta – use regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta

2 cups chicken broth – deglazes and cooks the pasta

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – for the creamy sauce

½ cup heavy cream – makes it rich and smooth

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – bright finish

Instructions

1. Mix Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub over chicken breasts.

2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–5 min per side until 165°F. Set aside.

3. Add 1 tbsp oil and butter to the pan. Sauté onion with a pinch of salt for 3 minutes.

4. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

5. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping up brown bits.

6. Add pasta, stir, cover, and cook 10 minutes or until al dente.

7. Turn off heat. Stir in Parmesan, cream, and parsley until melted and creamy.

8. Slice cooked chicken and mix into the pasta. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For lower fat, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of cream.

Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or cream to refresh texture.

Use chickpea or lentil pasta to boost protein.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, Protein Chicken Recipes Healthy, Healthy Meal Prep Recipes, Clean Eating Pasta Recipes, Easy Chicken Protein Meals, Low Oil Recipes