Healthy Chicken Pasta Meal Prep – Simple, Flavorful & Protein-Packed
This easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, pasta, and a light garlic-parmesan sauce. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups milk (or half-and-half)
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil or butter, divided
2 cups baby spinach (optional)
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in skillet. Sauté chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until cooked. Remove.
- Add 1 tbsp oil or butter to skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in parmesan until smooth.
- Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss gently to coat.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan and parsley.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well. Add lemon or pesto for extra flavor.