Description
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines lean chicken breast with whole wheat pasta and a creamy (plant-based) garlic parmesan sauce made with fresh garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a natural gelling agent for perfect sauce consistency. Ready in under 30 minutes, this nutrient-packed, plant-based cheese dish is flavorful, family-friendly, and easily customizable to fit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup creamy (plant-based) cheese
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Finishing Touches
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced fresh garlic and cook gently until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. This step infuses the oil with the bold garlic aroma that defines the dish.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in vegetable broth and add the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring to a simmer, then stir in creamy (plant-based) cheese and a pinch of natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce just enough to coat the pasta beautifully.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick. Finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and color.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Undercook pasta slightly to allow absorption of the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Stir cheese in over low heat to avoid clumping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: garlic chicken pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, healthy chicken pasta, creamy garlic pasta, quick chicken dinner