Healthy Chicken Pasta Recipes: The Ultimate Guide to Light and Flavorful Meals

Healthy Chicken Pasta Recipes

Chicken pasta is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, traditional chicken pasta recipes can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy this classic dish, try one of these recipes.

1. Chicken and Vegetable Pasta

This recipe is packed with vegetables, making it a great way to get your daily dose of nutrients. The chicken is cooked in a light sauce, and the whole dish is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
* 1 cup chopped broccoli
* 1 cup chopped carrots
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 pound pasta, cooked and drained
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the chicken, broccoli, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the vegetables are tender.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

2. Lemon-Garlic Chicken Pasta

This recipe is light and refreshing, with a bright lemon flavor. The chicken is cooked in a creamy sauce, and the whole dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 pound pasta, cooked and drained
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the chicken, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

3. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This recipe is a classic for a reason. The creamy Alfredo sauce is rich and flavorful, and the chicken adds a protein boost.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 pound pasta, cooked and drained

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
6. Serve immediately.