Mediterranean Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Herb Sauce

Mediterranean Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Herb Sauce

This Mediterranean Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Herb Sauce is a rich yet lightened-up comfort dish that combines sautéed chicken and earthy mushrooms with tender pasta, all enveloped in a silky herb-infused sauce. Instead of heavy cream, this recipe uses a combination of Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and olive oil for a creamy texture without the heaviness—keeping it aligned with Mediterranean eating.

It’s the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner when you want something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying but still packed with fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Mushrooms:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced

8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

8 oz (225g) whole wheat or regular penne, fusilli, or linguine

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth

½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or heavy cream for a richer version)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus zest from ½ lemon)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Extra Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley or basil leaves

Crushed red pepper flakes (for spice)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.

Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce. Set aside.

Sauté the Chicken and Mushrooms:

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Season the sliced chicken with smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add the mushrooms and sauté for 4–5 minutes until browned and tender.

Make the Creamy Herb Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and the minced garlic to the mushrooms. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. (Do not boil to prevent curdling if using yogurt.)

Stir in the chopped parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything:

Return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked pasta.

Toss well to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy herb sauce.

If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.

Serve:

Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve hot, with a side of Greek salad, roasted veggies, or warm pita bread.

Tips

Slice Chicken Thinly:
Thin, even slices of chicken cook quickly and stay tender, making them ideal for pasta dishes.

Don’t Overcook the Sauce:
If using Greek yogurt, keep the heat low when stirring in the yogurt to avoid curdling. Remove the pan from direct heat if necessary.

Reserve Pasta Water:
Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Use Fresh Herbs if Possible:
Fresh parsley and basil add brightness and Mediterranean flair. If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried, but reduce the amount by half.

Mushroom Browning Tip:
Let the mushrooms sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes before stirring to get that rich, golden color and enhance flavor.

Variations

Protein Options:

Seafood Swap:
Use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Add them toward the end since they cook quickly.

Vegetarian Version:
Skip the chicken and add chickpeas, white beans, or extra mushrooms for a meat-free option.

Turkey or Ground Chicken:
Use ground turkey or chicken for a quicker-cooking protein variation.

Vegetable Add-Ins:

Spinach or Kale:
Stir in baby spinach, arugula, or chopped kale at the end for extra greens.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy burst of flavor.

Artichoke Hearts:
Mix in artichoke hearts for an additional Mediterranean layer.

Pasta & Sauce Options:

Pasta Types:
Use penne, rigatoni, linguine, or fettuccine—whatever you have on hand works well.

Creamy Base Variations:
Swap Greek yogurt for heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option (use a dairy-free cheese substitute as needed).

Cheese Choices:
Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta or Pecorino Romano for different Mediterranean accents.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with crusty bread or pita, and a simple cucumber tomato salad for a complete meal.

Serve with a side of olives, tzatziki, or roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean feast.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, but for the best texture, store the sauce, pasta, and chicken separately, then reheat gently and combine before serving. Add a splash of broth or pasta water when reheating to keep the sauce silky.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken. Just stir it into the sauce during the final few minutes to warm it without overcooking.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and cheese are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes. Replace the Greek yogurt with coconut cream or unsweetened almond cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Q: What other herbs can I use?
A: Try thyme, rosemary, dill, or mint for different Mediterranean profiles. You can also add chives or tarragon for an extra herbal twist.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate for 4 Servings)

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Chicken & Mushroom Pasta in Creamy Herb Sauce is a delicious blend of comfort food and fresh Mediterranean flavors. It’s creamy yet light, thanks to Greek yogurt and olive oil, and full of protein, fiber, and vibrant herbs.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep, this one-pan pasta is both easy and satisfying. Its versatile ingredients make it easy to customize for different diets, whether you prefer vegetarian, dairy-free, or gluten-free options.