Pasta with Chicken and Parmesan Sauce

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A delicious plate of pasta with chicken and Parmesan sauce, garnished with herbs.

Creamy Whole Wheat Pasta with Chicken and Spinach

If you’re looking for a comforting and nutritious meal, this creamy whole wheat pasta with chicken is just the ticket. With a delightful blend of whole wheat penne and a rich Parmesan sauce, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. The addition of spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, making this a well-rounded dinner option for the whole family.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (230 grams) whole wheat penne or fettuccine
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (450 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon (8 grams) whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-fat milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (about 60 grams) baby spinach (optional but recommended)
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

  1. Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain the remaining water and set the pasta aside.

  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  3. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the whole wheat flour, stirring to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

  4. Reduce the heat, then stir in the low-fat milk, nonfat Greek yogurt, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the pasta and baby spinach. Toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

  6. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley on top.

How to Serve Pasta with Chicken and Parmesan Sauce

This creamy whole wheat pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. Enjoy this dish on busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a comforting yet healthy dinner that the whole family will love.