One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy) Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food with a fresh, healthy spin, this One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy) is here to change your dinner game forever. Imagine velvety sauce clinging to every noodle, powered by Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of Parmesan, with colorful veggies and tender chicken all cozied up together in one pan. It’s lighter than classic Alfredo, brimming with flavor, and—best of all—everything happens in a single pot. Whether you’re after a weeknight win or something impressive for company, this is the creamy (yet secretly nutritious) pasta you’ll want again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in a handful of thoughtfully chosen staples, each bringing its own character to the One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy). A balance of dairy, vegetables, and pantry-friendly additions means you get hearty flavors and unbeatable creaminess in every bite.
- Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work beautifully here—they absorb flavor as they cook directly in the sauce.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: This infuses the pasta with savory depth and keeps everything moist as it bubbles away.
- Water: Just a touch, to help the pasta cook evenly alongside the broth.
- Butter: Adds traditional richness to the sauce and helps the aromatics shine.
- Olive Oil: Brings a subtle fruitiness and keeps things from sticking as you sauté.
- Garlic: The foundation of classic Alfredo flavor—aromatic and utterly delicious.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a gentle sweetness that builds layers in the sauce.
- Greek Yogurt (Full-Fat): The secret to creamy, guilt-free Alfredo—avoid nonfat for the dreamiest texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and absolutely essential for that classic Alfredo taste.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Black Pepper: Adds a little gentle heat and aroma—freshly ground is best!
- Italian Seasoning: A quick way to infuse the pasta with herby goodness.
- Nutmeg (Optional): Just a pinch, but it elevates the sauce with subtle warmth.
- Cooked Chicken: Grilled or shredded, this turns your pasta into a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
- Spinach: Stirred in at the end for color, nutrition, and a hint of earthiness.
- Mushrooms: Sliced and sautéed, they add a meaty texture and umami punch.
- Frozen Peas: Sweet pops of green that nod to spring and brighten every forkful.
How to Make One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these until the onions are translucent and the kitchen is filled with the dreamy scent of garlic—expect about two minutes. This quick step awakens the flavors that will build the backbone of your creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta in One Pot
Pour in the broth and water, cranking up the heat to bring it all to a boil. Once bubbling, add your pasta directly to the pot. Stir occasionally and let the pasta soak up all those layered flavors as it cooks. In about 10 to 12 minutes, you’ll have perfectly al dente noodles—no separate boiling needed. If you notice too much liquid evaporating, just add a splash more water to keep things silky and saucy.
Step 3: Make the Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce
Lower the heat to gently simmer and swirl in the Greek yogurt, Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg if using. Stir gently but thoroughly—watch as the sauce transforms into a luscious, creamy blanket that perfectly coats the pasta. You’re aiming for a smooth, glossy sauce that clings lovingly to every strand or tube.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
This is the moment to bring in your add-ins! Stir through the cooked chicken, fresh spinach, mushrooms, and peas. Let them mingle with the sauce for another two minutes; the spinach will wilt perfectly, and the peas will be just-tender. Remove from the heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes—the sauce will thicken slightly, bringing everything together. Dish it up right away, topped with a flurry of extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
How to Serve One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy)
Garnishes
This pasta is already gorgeous, but a handful of bright green parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan make it truly irresistible. For an extra burst of flavor, add cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of olive oil on top.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve with crusty garlic bread for dunking into the sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also work beautifully alongside One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy) for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve this straight from the pot at the table (it disappears fast). Hosting friends? Plate individual portions in wide bowls, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. You can even spoon leftovers into small ramekins, dust with Parmesan, and broil until golden for a mini pasta bake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), be sure to let the One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy) cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container and it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge but will loosen up beautifully when reheated.
Freezing
While pasta with creamy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze this dish if needed. Divide portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. The Greek yogurt sauce may need a good stir after thawing, but the flavor remains irresistible.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to your portion before warming on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the sauce gets creamy and smooth again. If you like, toss in fresh spinach or extra Parmesan to revive the flavors even more.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken and skip the chicken itself. Feel free to bulk up the veggies—double the mushrooms or spinach, or add strips of roasted red pepper for a vegetarian feast.
Why use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of nonfat?
Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the sauce a richer, silkier texture and more authentic Alfredo flavor. Nonfat varieties tend to break or become grainy when heated, so stick with full-fat for the best results in your One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy).
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, this recipe works with gluten-free pasta! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free varieties cook faster and may need a touch less liquid.
How do I keep the yogurt from curdling?
The key is to lower the heat before stirring in the Greek yogurt, and add it slowly while stirring continuously. This helps ensure a creamy, smooth sauce for your One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy) every time.
What other proteins can I use?
If you’re out of chicken or just want to switch it up, try adding cooked shrimp, sliced turkey, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. The Greek yogurt Alfredo sauce is versatile enough to pair with just about anything!
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a meal that’s comforting, deceptively healthy, and guaranteed to impress, you simply have to give this One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy) a try. It’s the kind of dish you make once and immediately add to your regular rotation—creamy, quick, and absolutely delicious for every occasion.
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One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta (Creamy and Healthy) Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and healthy One-Pot Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta is a delightful twist on the classic Alfredo, lightened up with Greek yogurt for a tangy kick and added creaminess. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
Broth Mixture:
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ small onion (finely chopped)
Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)
Add-ins:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (grilled or shredded)
- ½ cup spinach
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- ½ cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics – In a large deep skillet or pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and softened (about 2 minutes).
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta in One Pot – Pour in broth and water, then bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are just al dente (about 10-12 minutes). If needed, add a little more water to ensure pasta cooks evenly.
- Step 3: Make the Greek Yogurt Alfredo Sauce – Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in Greek yogurt, Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
- Step 4: Finish and Serve – If using any add-ins like chicken, spinach, mushrooms, or peas, stir them in now and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can customize this dish with your favorite protein and vegetables.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: One-Pot Pasta, Greek Yogurt Alfredo, Creamy Pasta Recipe, Healthy Alfredo Pasta
