Heart-Healthy Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Indulge in comfort without compromise with this Heart-Healthy Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe—a perfect fusion of flavor and wellness. Featuring tender bites of golden-browned chicken breast nestled in a luscious, garlic-infused sauce, this dish balances creamy decadence with nutritious ingredients like whole grain pasta, unsweetened almond milk, and fresh spinach. The velvety sauce is thickened with cornstarch instead of heavy cream, while a touch of parmesan cheese and zesty lemon juice elevate its richness without overwhelming. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pot wonder is low in saturated fat, packed with protein, and seasoned to perfection for a guilt-free meal that feels indulgent. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it's topped with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish that ensures every bite is as wholesome as it is satisfying.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole grain pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the whole grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth, unsweetened almond milk, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the sautéed garlic.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Stir in the parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1429 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.8 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.7 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 366 mg | 122% | |
| Sodium | 1925 mg | 84% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.4 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 152.1 g | 304% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 868 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 1728 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
