If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that doesn’t sacrifice health, this Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan Oregano Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, wholesome whole-grain pasta, and a luscious yet light sauce that’s enriched with Greek yogurt and Parmesan, all brought together by fragrant oregano. This recipe delights in its simplicity but also impresses with its rich, creamy texture and satisfying taste, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a meal to share with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a delicious dish, and this recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential components that each play a crucial role. From the protein-packed chicken to the creamy Parmesan and fresh herbs, every element enhances the flavors, textures, and overall balance of this meal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs seasoning beautifully.
- Whole-grain macaroni: Adds fiber and a nutty flavor, making the dish more wholesome and hearty.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and veggies, adding subtle richness.
- Medium onion: Provides a natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a classic savory note.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Builds the sauce base while keeping sodium in check.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness; you can use regular milk too.
- Whole-wheat flour: Thickens the sauce naturally and nutritiously.
- Greek yogurt: The secret to that creamy, tangy finish without adding too much fat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers umami richness and a pleasant salty kick.
- Dried oregano: Highlights the sauce with herbaceous, slightly peppery flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To season and brighten every component.
- Fresh parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that adds color and brightness.
How to Make Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan Oregano Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your diced chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Be sure to season with salt, pepper, and that wonderful dried oregano while it sizzles. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While your chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the whole-grain macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until tender but still with a nice bite, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside, ready to be combined with your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Base
Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns soft and translucent—this gives your sauce that subtle sweetness. Add your minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then sprinkle the whole-wheat flour evenly over the onion and garlic, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste that will thicken your sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Thicken
Slowly whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth and almond milk, making sure to stir continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly, setting the stage for a creamy and luscious sauce.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Now for the best part—stir in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns velvety and smooth. Taste your sauce and add salt, pepper, and a bit more dried oregano if you desire. This step is where richness meets bright herbaceous notes, giving the sauce a perfect balance without being overly heavy.
Step 6: Combine and Warm Through
Add back your cooked chicken along with the drained macaroni into the skillet. Stir everything gently to coat the chicken and pasta evenly in that creamy Parmesan oregano sauce. Let it warm together for 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully and the dish is piping hot and ready to serve.
Step 7: Serve Your Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan Oregano Sauce Recipe
Dish out generous portions into bowls or plates, and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that final flourish.
How to Serve Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan Oregano Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just pretty; it adds a bright, herbal lift that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. A small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring a subtle kick that wakes up the dish. Freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a nice finishing touch and a little texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp side salads such as mixed greens tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also bring great freshness and a pop of color to the plate. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or whole-grain dinner rolls work beautifully to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and briefly broiled for a golden crust. You can also turn it into a layered casserole by mixing the ingredients, topping with extra cheese, and baking until bubbly. Another idea is to toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives to add bursts of tangy flavor and extra visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan Oregano Sauce Recipe should be transferred into an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you convenient, ready-to-reheat meals without losing any of the creamy goodness.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze it in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of Greek yogurt might change slightly after freezing, so it’s best to freeze before combining with the yogurt when possible and add it fresh upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce appears too thick. You can also use a microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While whole-grain macaroni adds extra fiber and flavor, you can swap in gluten-free pasta or any shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini, depending on your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the sauce?
Greek yogurt is key for achieving creaminess with a tangy brightness while keeping the dish healthy. However, you can substitute it with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer, though this might alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You might also want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will give you a tasty vegetarian version of this creamy pasta dish.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the whole-grain macaroni for a gluten-free pasta, and replace whole-wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for safety.
What’s the best way to ensure the sauce doesn’t curdle?
To keep the sauce silky, avoid boiling once the Greek yogurt is added. Stir continuously and use medium to low heat to gently warm everything through without overheating the dairy components.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan Oregano Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to save for busy nights when you need something fast but still comforting and nourishing. It marries wholesome ingredients with indulgent textures, making each bite a delight. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a reliable go-to for healthful, satisfying meals!
Print
Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan Oregano Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Macaroni with Chicken recipe combines tender diced chicken with whole-grain macaroni and a creamy, flavorful sauce made from Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying weeknight meal, this dish is wholesome, easy to prepare, and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Protein & Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz whole-grain macaroni (or gluten-free macaroni if needed)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole-grain macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Sprinkle the whole-wheat flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to form a paste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and almond milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and additional dried oregano to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and macaroni to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything with the sauce. Heat everything together for 2-3 minutes until warm.
- Serve: Serve the Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Substitute almond milk with regular milk if you prefer a creamier texture.
- For added veggies, consider stirring in spinach or peas along with the chicken before serving.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories than heavier creams, making this dish healthier.
- You can prepare the chicken and pasta in advance to reduce cooking time.
