Low Fat Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Indulge guilt-free with this Low Fat Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, a wholesome yet decadent dish that combines rich flavor with a health-conscious twist. Featuring tender chunks of perfectly sautéed chicken breast, whole wheat penne pasta, and a creamy sauce crafted from low-fat cream cheese and fragrant garlic, this recipe offers all the comfort of a classic creamy pasta without the heavy calories. Fresh spinach adds a pop of vibrant color and nutrients, while a sprinkle of lemon zest and parsley brightens every bite. Ready in under 40 minutes, this quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, offering a nutritious and satisfying option for the whole family. Serve it warm with a dusting of Parmesan cheese for an irresistible finishing touch!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer and then add the low-fat cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it's slightly thickened.
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for about 1 minute, or until wilted.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine it with the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated and heated through.
Sprinkle the lemon zest and freshly chopped parsley over the pasta, and give it one final toss.
Serve the creamy garlic chicken pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2518 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.2 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.9 g | 114% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 446 mg | 149% | |
| Sodium | 2465 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 262.4 g | 95% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.0 g | 96% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.4 g | ||
| Protein | 204.3 g | 409% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 670 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 18.4 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 2986 mg | 64% | |
*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.
