Description
Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, savory smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based Parmesan cheese combined with whole wheat pasta in a naturally creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this recipe balances classic Italian-inspired flavors with wholesome ingredients for a nourishing and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 large chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 strips smoked turkey bacon, chopped into small strips
Pasta
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
Sauce and Flavorings
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup plant-based Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Trim and slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Chop the smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their rich aroma. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken and Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Add the smoked turkey bacon first and cook until slightly crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through. Return the bacon to the skillet for flavor.
- Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to soften without browning. Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the coconut milk and the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir gently and let the sauce come together and thicken slightly due to the natural gelling agent.
- Combine Pasta and Plant-Based Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the plant-based Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes over the top, stirring carefully until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a generous handful of fresh parsley for color and brightness. Serve immediately while warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic to enhance flavor and aroma more effectively than pre-minced alternatives.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture after mixing with the sauce.
- Choose quality plant-based cheese for better creaminess and taste.
- Adjust vegetable broth or coconut milk to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
- Cook bacon separately to keep it crispy and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: garlic chicken pasta, healthy pasta recipe, plant-based cheese pasta, quick dinner, gluten free pasta dish
