Description
This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe offers a comforting, nutritious meal featuring tender chicken, flavorful garlic, creamy plant-based parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines wholesome ingredients to create a luscious, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and lean
Pasta
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
Cheese and Thickening
- 1/2 cup plant-based parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Liquids and Fats
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the cooking water for later use in the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
- Sauté the Garlic and Herbs: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then add minced garlic. Stir and cook about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add chopped parsley and basil, stirring to release their aromas.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar (natural), bringing to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in plant-based parmesan cheese and natural gelling agent, stirring continuously until thickened to a creamy consistency. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired texture.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra fresh herbs on top.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves for a brighter, more pungent flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to naturally adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy; rest briefly before slicing.
- Use fresh parsley and basil generously to add freshness and cut richness.
- The plant-based parmesan cheese and natural gelling agent provide creaminess without heaviness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: garlic chicken pasta, healthy pasta, plant-based parmesan, whole wheat pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta, one-pan meal, healthy dinner
