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Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta (WW-Friendly, Flavorful & Light)
Looking for a flavorful yet Weight Watchers-friendly recipe that is both indulgent and easy to make? Look no further! This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta offers the perfect balance of rich, buttery chicken paired with creamy lemon Parmesan pasta, all while staying light and within your Weight Watchers points. The recipe offers a healthier take on a traditional comfort food, using smarter ingredient choices to keep the dish flavorful yet low in calories and fat. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
This dish is made with lean chicken breasts, a lightened-up garlic butter sauce, and a creamy lemon Parmesan pasta that is simply irresistible. With the creamy texture of Parmesan, the brightness of lemon, and the bold flavors of garlic, every bite of this meal feels indulgent, but without the guilt. The best part? It’s easy to make, and each serving is portion-controlled to fit into your Weight Watchers plan.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta:
- Weight Watchers Friendly: This recipe is specifically designed to fit within your WW meal plan, providing a satisfying meal while staying within your daily points. Each serving has been calculated for all WW plans.
- High Protein & Low Carb: The lean chicken breast provides a good source of protein, while the pasta can be adjusted to fit into a low-carb diet if desired. Use zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta for a keto-friendly version.
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
- Creamy, Comforting, and Flavorful: The lemon Parmesan sauce is creamy and tangy, while the garlic butter chicken brings a delicious richness to the dish.
- Flexible and Customizable: You can easily make adjustments to suit dietary needs or preferences. You can swap out chicken for other lean proteins or add vegetables to make the dish even more nutrient-packed.
Ingredients:
For this Weight Watchers-friendly garlic butter chicken with lemon Parmesan pasta, you will need:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total) – Use lean chicken breasts for a protein-packed meal that is low in fat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking the chicken. You can substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil for a different flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that’s essential for the butter sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – For a subtle herbal flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – Adds a touch of woodsy flavor that pairs well with chicken.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
For the Lemon Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz whole wheat or low-carb pasta – Whole wheat pasta provides more fiber, or you can use gluten-free or low-carb pasta for a lighter version.
- 2 tablespoons light butter – A lighter version of butter that still gives you the rich flavor but with fewer calories and fat.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – A small amount of Parmesan for that creamy, salty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for maximum flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Adds a burst of citrus flavor to the pasta.
- 1/4 cup fat-free half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk – This helps create a creamy texture without too many extra calories.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
- Extra Parmesan (optional) – If desired, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for added richness.
Equipment:
- Large skillet – For cooking the chicken and preparing the garlic butter sauce.
- Large pot – To cook the pasta.
- Measuring spoons and cups – For accurate measurements.
- Sharp knife – To mince garlic and zest the lemon.
- Tongs or spatula – For flipping the chicken and stirring the pasta.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, saving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the light butter to the skillet and stir until melted. You’ll notice the garlic and butter start to blend together, forming the base of the sauce.
4. Add the Lemon and Parmesan:
To the garlic butter mixture, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything is combined. At this point, you can add the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, making sure the sauce is well-seasoned and flavorful.
5. Combine the Pasta with the Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lemon Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce, ensuring that each noodle is well-coated with the creamy mixture. You can also add a little more pasta water if you need to thin out the sauce further.
6. Slice the Chicken:
While the pasta is being tossed in the sauce, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to serve and ensures that the chicken is evenly distributed with the pasta.
7. Serve the Dish:
To serve, divide the pasta among plates and top with the sliced garlic butter chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for additional flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 37 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Net Carbs: 29 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Sugar: 3 g
Weight Watchers (WW) Points:
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta recipe is perfect for anyone following the Weight Watchers plan. Here’s the breakdown of WW points for each serving:
- Green Plan: 9 WW points per serving
- Blue Plan: 6 WW points per serving
- Purple Plan: 5 WW points per serving
Tips for a Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta:
- Use Lean Chicken Breasts: Opting for boneless, skinless chicken breasts is the best choice for keeping the recipe lean and protein-packed.
- Swap Pasta for Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb or gluten-free version, substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta option like spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles.
- Use Light Butter: Using light butter helps cut down on unnecessary calories and fat, making the recipe more Weight Watchers-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
- Add Vegetables: For extra fiber and nutrients, consider adding sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the pasta. This adds volume and nutritional value without adding many points.
- Make It Creamier: For a richer, creamier texture, you can swap the fat-free half-and-half for a small amount of full-fat coconut milk or plant-based cream.
How to Meal Prep this Recipe:
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is great for meal prep. The chicken can be cooked ahead of time, and the pasta and sauce can be made in advance. Store the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat and combine the chicken with the pasta and sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free by swapping out the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative, such as nutritional yeast or a store-bought dairy-free Parmesan. For the butter, use a plant-based butter substitute.
How to Adjust the Recipe for Larger Portions:
If you’re making this recipe for more than 4 servings, simply scale up the ingredients accordingly. Be sure to use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in uneven cooking.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Parmesan Pasta is a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, filling meal without the extra calories or fat. It’s an excellent choice for those following a Weight Watchers plan, and the flavor profile is rich and satisfying. With the option to make it gluten-free, low-carb, or dairy-free, this dish is adaptable to suit many dietary needs. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding the family, or simply craving something indulgent yet healthy, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy!
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