High-Protein Garlic Chicken Pasta (Creamy, Satisfying & Ready in 30 Minutes)
If you’re craving comfort food that still supports your goals, this High-Protein Garlic Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s creamy without heavy cream, rich without being greasy, and packed with protein thanks to tender chicken and Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
- 450 g chicken breast diced
- 225 g whole wheat penne pasta
- 4 garlic cloves about 12 g, minced
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt
- 25 g grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 60 g fresh spinach
- 30 ml olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve 120 ml (½ cup) of the pasta cooking water. Drain and set aside.
Season and cook the chicken
- Season the diced chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the creamy garlic sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine everything
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and spinach to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is well coated and the spinach has wilted.
- If needed, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.