Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta

A delicious meal awaits with this Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta recipe. This one-pan dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of tender chicken, creamy parmesan, and tangy tomato sauce creates a delightful experience that everyone will love. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and clean up, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 35 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using just one pan, leaving you with more time to relax.
• High Protein: Packed with protein from chicken and cheese, this dish supports your healthy lifestyle while being deliciously filling.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The garlic and parmesan blend beautifully with the tomato sauce, offering a delightful taste that pleases any palate.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out pasta types or add favorite vegetables to customize this dish to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this dish efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• Resealable bag or container
• Microwave
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Ensures even cooking of chicken without sticking, making it easy to flip and serve.
• Resealable bag or container: Ideal for marinating chicken; it allows flavors to penetrate while minimizing mess.
• Microwave: Quickly heats your pasta, saving time in the cooking process.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients before adding them to the skillet.

Ingredients

For this simple yet flavorful Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Tenderloins, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 Tbsp Garlic Pepper
• 2 Tbsp (15g) Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/4-1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper, based on spice preference

For the Pasta Dish

• 1 bag (8.5 oz) Barilla Ready Pasta Rotini, or your choice of pasta
• 15 oz can Tomato Sauce
• 2 Tbsp Garlic Pepper
• 1 Tbsp Granular Sugar Substitute, like stevia or Swerve
• 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper, omit if you’re sensitive to spice

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Mix the garlic pepper, parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper in a resealable bag or container. Set aside.
2. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the resealable container. Shake or stir until fully coated.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; longer marination enhances flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Once hot (water drops should sizzle), add the marinated chicken evenly across the pan.
3. Leave untouched for 4 minutes before flipping; then cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce and Pasta

1. While the chicken cooks, microwave the Ready Pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce with garlic pepper, sweetener, and crushed red pepper.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and prepared sauce to the skillet with chicken.
2. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes until everything is uniformly mixed and warmed through.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat and top with optional shredded mozzarella before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta as part of your weekly meal rotation!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes drizzled with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty pasta.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and a tangy Caesar dressing can add crunch and flavor to your meal.

With Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter and herbs makes for a delightful addition that enhances the garlic flavor of the dish.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add some mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy twist.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Broccoli: Steamed broccoli provides a nutritious, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve your pasta over spiralized zucchini noodles.

How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta

Perfecting Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta involves careful attention to detail during preparation. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality chicken will enhance the flavors significantly.
• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours or overnight will deepen the taste.
• Control Heat: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for a nice sear while ensuring it cooks through without burning.
• Mix Well: Ensure that the sauce is evenly mixed with the pasta for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning along the way to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta

A delicious side dish can elevate your Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic adds a savory touch.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a healthy, protein-packed complement.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil and salt provide a delightful crunch.
4. Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil on skewers make for an easy-to-eat side.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter brings sweetness that pairs nicely with savory pasta.
6. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A zesty salad made with chickpeas, cucumbers, and feta cheese adds freshness and protein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Bold seasoning: Under-seasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure you coat the chicken evenly with the garlic pepper and other spices for maximum taste.
• Skipping marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in less flavorful meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better for depth of flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too much chicken at once can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect golden brown outside.
• Ignoring pasta cooking time: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely and aim for al dente for the best texture.
• Forgetting about sauce blending: Not mixing the sauce thoroughly with the pasta and chicken can leave you with uneven flavors. Stir well to ensure every bite is delicious.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta

• Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1 minute, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta:

What variations can I try with Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta?

You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Consider using whole grain pasta or gluten-free options as well.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option while maintaining flavor.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To increase spice, add more crushed red pepper or incorporate hot sauce into the tomato sauce mixture.

Can I meal prep Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep; just store it in portions for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. The recipe allows room for customization, whether you want to add veggies or switch up your protein. Try this hearty meal tonight, and enjoy its rich flavors and satisfying texture!