Description
A comforting and nourishing Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta made with smoked turkey bacon and creamy plant-based parmesan cheese. This quick and easy dish, ready in under 30 minutes, combines protein, healthy fats, and whole grain pasta for a balanced, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese and Thickeners
- 1/2 cup plant-based parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin, agar, or carrageenan)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook whole wheat pasta until just al dente. Drain, reserving about half a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later. Set pasta aside while preparing the sauce and protein.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some rendered fat in the pan for extra flavor.
- Sauté garlic and chicken: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add diced chicken breast, cooking until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in chicken broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), stirring to deglaze the pan. Sprinkle in the plant-based parmesan cheese and dissolve the natural gelling agent in a bit of broth before mixing it in for a velvety sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce thickness.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked turkey bacon to the skillet, then toss the drained pasta into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat every strand. Adjust seasoning as needed, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic rather than powder for the best aroma and flavor.
- Cook chicken just until no longer pink inside to keep it tender.
- Save pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and keep it silky.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the sauce come together smoothly without clumping.
- Try different plant-based parmesan cheese brands to find your preferred nutty tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, plant-based parmesan, smoked turkey bacon, healthy pasta recipe, quick dinner, whole wheat pasta
