Mediterranean Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
This Mediterranean-inspired creamy chicken and broccoli pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. Tender chicken breast, crisp-tender broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes are tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with hints of Italian herbs. Balanced and flavorful, this dish is great for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
8 oz (about 225g) penne or fettuccine pasta
1 large chicken breast (sliced into thin strips)
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
For the sauce:
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional for brightness)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli to the same pot.
Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken:
Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using.
Combine:
Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce.
Toss everything together and simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Tips:
Prep Ahead: Slice the chicken and chop vegetables ahead of time to save on cooking time.
Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Add broccoli only in the last couple of minutes of boiling to keep it vibrant and crisp-tender.
Creamy Texture Tip: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more chicken broth to loosen it.
Balanced Flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving helps cut the richness of the cream and brightens the dish.
Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor—it blends better than pre-shredded.
Variations:
Add Olives or Capers: For a briny kick, toss in a handful of kalamata olives or a spoonful of capers.
Use Different Greens: Swap broccoli with spinach, kale, or zucchini for a different texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Protein Options: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute, and omit or replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese.
Whole Grain or Gluten-Free Pasta: Substitute regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to suit dietary needs.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: It’s best eaten fresh, but it can be frozen without the broccoli (which can become mushy). Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Use half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese slightly. Greek yogurt (added off-heat) can also be a lighter creamy base.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes! Omit the chicken and use chickpeas, white beans, or mushrooms as your protein source. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: ~550
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: ~500mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a delicious balance of rich, creamy comfort and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. With just the right mix of protein, veggies, and herbs, it’s a versatile meal you can tweak to suit your taste or dietary needs. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a meal to impress guests!