Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting pasta dish that won’t weigh you down, I’ve got just the recipe for you. This creamy garlic Greek yogurt pasta with grilled chicken has become my go-to dinner when I want something satisfying but still nutritious. I discovered this recipe during my quest to find healthier alternatives to traditional cream-based sauces.
You’ll love how the tangy Greek yogurt creates a luxurious coating for the pasta while adding a protein boost to your meal. Trust me, once you try this version, you might not go back to heavy cream sauces. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make. I’ve streamlined the process so you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Recipe
Creamy Garlic Greek Yogurt Pasta combines simple ingredients to create a luxurious and healthier alternative to traditional cream-based pasta dishes. The tangy Greek yogurt creates a velvety sauce while adding protein and calcium, while the aromatic garlic infuses the dish with deep, savory flavor.
This versatile recipe works well with any pasta shape and can be customized with additional vegetables or proteins. The grilled chicken adds a satisfying element to the dish, making it a complete meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent while remaining quick and easy to prepare.
- 16 oz pasta
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in room temperature Greek yogurt until smooth. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining pasta. Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss with the yogurt sauce, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Slice grilled chicken and arrange on top of the pasta.
For best results, verify the Greek yogurt is at room temperature before combining with other ingredients. Never add yogurt to a hot pan as it may curdle – always remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. The key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency lies in gradually adding the reserved pasta water while stirring continuously. If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, simply add more pasta water and stir to restore the creamy texture.
Prep Time
Total prep time for this satisfying pasta dish comes in at just 15 minutes. While your pasta water comes to a boil, you’ll have plenty of time to mince the garlic and prep your chicken breasts. I love that most of the work happens simultaneously – you can grill the chicken while the pasta cooks.
Here’s how your 15-minute prep breaks down:
- Bringing water to boil: 5-7 minutes
- Mincing garlic: 2-3 minutes
- Seasoning chicken: 1 minute
- Measuring yogurt and olive oil: 2 minutes
- Setting up workspace: 2-3 minutes
You’ll find that once you’ve made this dish a few times, you can probably cut the prep time even shorter. I’ve gotten mine down to 10 minutes flat!
Equipment needed
For this simple pasta dish, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment that most home cooks already have on hand. Gather a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, and a spacious skillet or sauté pan for creating the sauce. You’ll also want to have a sturdy grilling pan or outdoor grill ready for the chicken.
Essential tools include measuring cups for the yogurt, a sharp knife for mincing garlic and slicing chicken, and a wooden spoon or tongs for tossing the pasta. Don’t forget about a microplane or garlic press if you want to make quick work of those garlic cloves. Keep a liquid measuring cup nearby too – it’ll come in handy when you’re adding that pivotal pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Basic Cooking Method and Time
Preparing this Greek yogurt pasta dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, with most of the action happening simultaneously. You’ll start by bringing your pasta water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to package directions. While that’s happening, you’ll grill your chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side until they’re cooked through.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, you’ll sauté your minced garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant – this should take just 1-2 minutes. Once you’ve removed the pan from heat, you’ll stir in the room temperature Greek yogurt and toss with your drained pasta. The whole process is straightforward, and you’ll love how quickly it all comes together.
Cooking Steps
Let’s break down the exact steps you’ll need to create this creamy pasta dish.
First, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta according to package directions. While that’s happening, season your chicken breasts and grill them until they’re cooked through. In a separate pan, gently sauté your minced garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant and golden – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Here’s the vital part: remove the pan from heat before stirring in your room-temperature Greek yogurt. Now, add your cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together. If you need to thin the sauce, add small splashes of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, slice your chicken and arrange it on top.
Step 1. Boil Salted Water First
Starting with properly salted boiling water sets the foundation for perfectly cooked pasta every time. You’ll want to fill a large pot about 2/3 full with cold water and place it over high heat. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, don’t skip the essential step of adding salt – I use about 1-2 tablespoons per pound of pasta.
Once you see those rolling bubbles, it’s time to add the salt. I learned from my Italian grandmother that the water should taste like the sea. Don’t worry about using too much salt, as most of it goes down the drain anyway. Just remember to wait until the water’s boiling before adding salt, or you might end up with marks on the bottom of your pot.
Step 2. Season and Marinate Chicken
While your pasta water reaches a rolling boil, you’ll want to focus on getting the chicken just right. Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this helps the seasoning stick better and guarantees a nice golden crust when grilling. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
For extra flavor, I like to add a quick marinade of olive oil, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You’ll only need about 15-20 minutes of marinating time while your water heats up. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the marinade and just season well with salt and pepper. The most important thing is making certain your chicken isn’t too thick – if needed, butterfly the breasts or pound them to an even thickness.
Step 3. Heat Oil in Skillet
Grab your favorite large skillet and place it over medium heat. You’ll want to add your 3 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm up for about 30 seconds – I’ve learned that patience here really makes a difference in how your garlic cooks.
Once your oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), it’s time to add your minced garlic. I like to spread it evenly across the pan’s surface to guarantee even cooking. Keep a close eye on it, as garlic can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. You’re looking for that gorgeous light golden color and that amazing aroma that fills your kitchen. Once it’s fragrant and just barely starting to color, you’ll know it’s time to remove the pan from heat.
Step 4. Combine Yogurt and Garlic
After removing your pan from the heat, you’ll want to give it about 30 seconds to cool slightly before adding the Greek yogurt. This cooling step is essential – I learned the hard way that hot pans can make your yogurt separate into an unappetizing mess!
Now’s the time to gently stir in your room-temperature Greek yogurt with the sautéed garlic. You’ll notice the mixture starting to become silky and aromatic. If it’s looking a bit thick, don’t worry – we’ll fix that in a moment. Keep stirring until the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the yogurt sauce. The combination should be smooth and creamy, without any lumps. Trust me, your patience during this step will pay off with the perfect sauce consistency.
Step 5. Plate and Serve Immediately
Once you’ve got your creamy yogurt-garlic sauce perfected, timing becomes super important! You’ll want to serve this pasta right away while the sauce is at its ideal consistency and temperature. Grab your favorite pasta bowls and give them a quick warm in the microwave – this helps keep everything hot longer.
Divide the pasta among the warmed bowls, making sure each portion gets plenty of that luscious sauce. Place your sliced grilled chicken on top, and if you’d like, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for color. I love adding a light drizzle of good olive oil and a crack of black pepper right before serving. Don’t wait around – gather everyone to the table quickly because this dish is at its creamy best when it’s fresh from the pan.
Customization Options
Looking to make this creamy pasta dish your own? You’ll love how versatile this recipe is. Try adding roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and sweetness, or toss in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Fresh spinach wilted into the sauce adds nutrition and beautiful green specks throughout the dish.
For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate some kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. If you’re craving heat, red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños will give it a spicy kick. Don’t feel limited to chicken either – this creamy pasta works beautifully with grilled shrimp, seared salmon, or keep it vegetarian with roasted vegetables. You can also switch up the pasta shape – penne, fettuccine, or bow ties all work wonderfully with this silky sauce.
Ingredients list (with precise measurements)
To guarantee your creamy garlic Greek yogurt pasta turns out perfectly every time, you’ll need a precise list of ingredients ready before you start cooking. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 16 ounces of your favorite pasta shape (I love using fettuccine or penne)
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat works best)
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 6 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
You’ll notice I’ve included pasta water in the ingredients – trust me, it’s essential for creating that silky smooth sauce. While the measurements are specific, don’t stress too much about being exact with the garlic – I often throw in an extra clove or two!
Storage Information
While this creamy pasta dish tastes best fresh, you’ll be happy to know it stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or water to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency, as the yogurt tends to thicken when chilled.
For the best results, store your pasta and chicken separately from the sauce if you’re meal prepping. This way, you can reheat the components individually – the pasta and chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the room-temperature sauce. If you’re freezing portions, I’ve found it’s best to skip it, as the yogurt-based sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed.
Health Benefits or Special Features
Because this dish features protein-rich Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, you’ll get all the luxurious texture without the extra calories and saturated fat. You’re also getting a healthy dose of probiotics from the yogurt, which can support your digestive health and immune system.
The grilled chicken adds lean protein that’ll keep you feeling full longer, while the garlic provides immune-boosting compounds and fantastic flavor. If you’re watching your carbs, you can easily swap in whole wheat pasta for additional fiber and nutrients. I love that this recipe is so adaptable – you can add vegetables like spinach or roasted broccoli to boost the nutritional content even further. For those following a high-protein diet, this dish delivers around 25 grams of protein per serving.
Prep Time
Even though this recipe looks fancy, you’ll only need about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time before cooking. While your pasta water comes to a boil, you can focus on mincing the garlic and preparing the chicken breasts. I’ve found that organizing your ingredients beforehand makes the process even smoother.
Here’s a quick prep breakdown:
- Mincing garlic: 3-4 minutes
- Seasoning chicken: 2-3 minutes
- Measuring yogurt and olive oil: 2 minutes
- Setting up other equipment: 5 minutes
You’ll spend about 20-25 minutes on actual cooking time, but that’s mostly passive – just keeping an eye on the chicken and pasta while they cook. Trust me, you won’t believe how quickly this elegant dinner comes together!
Cook Time
Once you’ve got your prep work done, the actual cooking process takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes cooking your pasta al dente, while simultaneously grilling the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until they’re done.
While those components are cooking, you’ll need just 2-3 minutes to sauté the minced garlic in olive oil. The final step – creating the creamy sauce – comes together in just 5 minutes. Simply remove the pan from heat, stir in your room-temperature Greek yogurt, and toss with the hot pasta. Don’t forget to add pasta water as needed to achieve that silky smooth consistency you’re looking for.
Total Time
The total time investment for this creamy garlic pasta dish comes in at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping ingredients, including mincing garlic and getting your chicken ready for grilling. While your pasta’s boiling (10-12 minutes), you can simultaneously cook the chicken breasts, which typically take 12-15 minutes to grill completely. The final assembly goes quickly – just 5-7 minutes to create the sauce and bring everything together. Don’t rush the process of tempering your Greek yogurt, though. Those few extra minutes you spend letting it come to room temperature will make all the difference in achieving that perfectly creamy, lump-free sauce you’re after.
Yield
With this timing in mind, you’ll be pleased to know that a full batch of Creamy Garlic Greek Yogurt Pasta serves 6-8 generous portions. If you’re cooking for a smaller household, you can easily halve the recipe using just one chicken breast and 8 ounces of pasta. The leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making this perfect for meal prep.
I love that you can stretch this dish even further by adding roasted vegetables or a side salad. When I’m hosting friends, I often serve it family-style in a large pasta bowl, letting everyone help themselves. The recipe’s generous yield means you won’t have to worry about running short, even with hungry guests at the table.
Final Thoughts
After making this pasta countless times for family and friends, I’m convinced it’s one of those go-to recipes you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. I’ve seen even the pickiest eaters come back for seconds, and it’s become my reliable solution for those nights when I need something both impressive and easy.
You’ll find yourself experimenting with different variations – maybe adding some red pepper flakes for heat or tossing in some sautéed vegetables. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. Just remember my tips about room-temperature yogurt and pasta water – they’re real game-changers for achieving that perfect, creamy consistency. Trust me, once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead of Fresh Chicken Breasts?
You can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to thaw it completely in the refrigerator first. Once it’s fully defrosted, you can season and grill it just like fresh chicken.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
You’ll love that this dish works perfectly as a vegetarian meal! Simply skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a satisfying protein-rich alternative.
What Wine Pairs Best With This Pasta Dish?
You’ll find that a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully with this creamy dish. Their bright acidity cuts through the richness while complementing the garlic and yogurt flavors perfectly.
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Like walking on thin ice, you’ll want to avoid making the sauce ahead of time. Greek yogurt can separate and curdle when reheated, so it’s best prepared just before serving.
Will Regular Yogurt Work Instead of Greek Yogurt?
You won’t get the same creamy results with regular yogurt since it’s thinner and contains more water. If you must use it, strain it through cheesecloth first.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this creamy garlic Greek yogurt pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table. Like a warm hug in a bowl, it combines silky sauce with perfectly grilled chicken for a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Master this recipe once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and again. It’s your new secret weapon for transforming ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly special.
