WW Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 25 minutes
- Total: About 35 minutes
Ingredients (serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 120–150 g each)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 200 g (7 oz) whole wheat or WW-friendly pasta
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon butter or light butter substitute
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor
Optional Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup spinach
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- If adding vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms, you can cook them in the last 2–3 minutes of pasta boiling.
2. Cook the chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken breasts 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from skillet and keep warm.
3. Make the creamy sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter.
- Add garlic powder if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine pasta and sauce
- Add cooked pasta (and vegetables if using) to the sauce.
- Toss well to coat evenly.
5. Serve
- Plate pasta with creamy sauce.
- Place chicken breasts on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips
- Use skim milk or unsweetened almond milk to reduce points.
- For extra flavor, add lemon zest to the sauce.
- Portion control is key: weigh chicken and pasta to stay WW-friendly.
- Steam vegetables to keep the dish light and nutritious.
Approximate WW SmartPoints
- 8–10 points per serving (using lean chicken, skim milk, and light butter)