Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta
A comforting and satisfying Garlic Parmesan Healthy Chicken Pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a quick and easy family dinner.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Resealable Bag or Container
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 Tbsp garlic pepper for chicken
- 2 Tbsp reduced-fat grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼-½ tsp crushed red pepper for chicken, up to your spice preference
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8.5 oz Barilla Ready Pasta Rotini or your choice of pasta
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp garlic pepper for sauce
- 1 Tbsp granular sugar substitute like Stevia or Swerve; can use regular sugar if preferred
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper for sauce, optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Marinade and Chicken: Grab a resealable bag or a medium-sized container. Toss in 1 Tbsp garlic pepper, the reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, and ¼-½ tsp of crushed red pepper. Now, add your bite-sized chicken tenderloins. Seal the bag (or cover the container) and give it a good shake or stir until every piece of chicken is nicely coated. Pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little marinating step makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Step 2: Cook Chicken: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Give it a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray. Once it's hot, add your marinated chicken pieces, spreading them out evenly in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes – this is how you get that beautiful golden sear! Then, flip each piece and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until there's no pink left. Once cooked, reduce the heat to low, just keeping the chicken warm.
- Step 3: Prepare Pasta and Sauce: While your chicken is sizzling, it's time to tackle the pasta. If you're using ready-to-eat pasta, just follow the package instructions to microwave it. In a separate bowl, whisk together your can of tomato sauce, the remaining 2 Tbsp of garlic pepper, the granular sugar substitute, and that ½ tsp of crushed red pepper (if you're using it). Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and fragrant. That's your quick, delicious sauce ready to go!
- Step 4: Combine and Simmer: Now for the grand assembly! Add your cooked pasta and the glorious sauce mixture directly into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together gently, making sure all the pasta and chicken are coated in that vibrant sauce. Let it simmer on low for just a few minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together and the dish to heat through evenly.
- Step 5: Serve: Once it's all hot and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. Dish it up immediately! For an extra touch of cheesy goodness, you can sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella cheese on top right before serving. Enjoy your delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal!
Notes
Make it your own with substitutions: Stir in fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more veggies. Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or cannellini beans for protein alternatives. For a richer sauce, add a splash of milk or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end. Brighten flavors with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Use penne, farfalle, or spaghetti instead of rotini.
Tips for success: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper searing. The marination step is important for flavor, even 30 minutes makes a difference; longer marination (hours or overnight) yields deeper taste. Always taste your sauce and adjust seasonings. Prep ahead by marinating chicken and mixing sauce ingredients a day in advance.
Storage: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat using the microwave or gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if dry.