Description
This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a cozy and nourishing dish combining tender chicken, savory plant-based Parmesan, and fragrant garlic in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a balanced meal packed with protein and fiber, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Sauce and Flavorings
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based Parmesan (plant-based)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Herbs and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy. Add the minced fresh garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, creating a richly flavored base for the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and the apple cider vinegar. Slowly stir in the natural gelling agent while heating, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet containing the sauce and bacon. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle in the plant-based Parmesan and fresh chopped herbs, folding gently to blend all the flavors.
- Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creamy texture.
Notes
- Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking.
- Add natural gelling agent slowly and stir continuously to prevent clumps.
- Add fresh parsley and thyme at the end to preserve their fresh flavor.
- Drain pasta immediately when al dente to avoid sogginess.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: garlic chicken pasta, plant-based Parmesan pasta, healthy chicken pasta, creamy garlic pasta, quick chicken dinner
