Mediterranean Honey Dijon Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Penne
This dish balances sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors in one satisfying bowl. Tender chicken coated in a honey-Dijon glaze pairs beautifully with al dente penne and crisp-tender broccoli in a light cream sauce. The Mediterranean touch comes from olive oil, thyme, and Parmesan, giving it an herby, slightly nutty depth. It’s a comforting dinner that feels fresh and vibrant.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lb penne pasta
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the pasta and broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water.
Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Make the honey-Dijon glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, thyme, and a pinch of pepper.
Pour the mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Make the creamy sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine everything:
Add the cooked penne and broccoli to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
Cut chicken evenly: This ensures the cubes cook at the same rate and stay tender.
Don’t overcook broccoli: Adding it at the end of pasta cooking keeps it bright green and crisp-tender.
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweet sauce, reduce honey to 1/3 cup and increase Dijon slightly.
Use fresh thyme: For a brighter, more aromatic flavor, replace dried thyme with 1–2 tsp chopped fresh thyme.
Reserve pasta water: Keep 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash to loosen it.
Variations
Protein swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor, or swap chicken for shrimp (cooks in just 3–4 minutes).
Extra veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
Herb twist: Swap thyme for rosemary, oregano, or basil for a different Mediterranean note.
Cheese change: Try Pecorino Romano or crumbled feta instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce the cheese to 2 tbsp for a lighter sauce.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook the pasta, broccoli, and chicken separately, then store in airtight containers. Combine and heat with sauce just before serving.
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions and avoid overcooking.
Q: What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
A: White wine vinegar or lemon juice will work as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Q: How do I make it dairy-free?
A: Replace the cream with unsweetened oat or almond cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
Q: Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
A: Yes. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or pasta water to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~610
Protein: 39g
Carbohydrates: 69g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: ~560mg
(Values will vary depending on pasta type, cream choice, and exact ingredient brands.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Honey Dijon Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Penne is a satisfying blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. The honey-Dijon glaze adds brightness and depth to tender chicken, while Parmesan and cream bring richness that clings to every bite of pasta. Crisp broccoli keeps the dish fresh and balanced, making it a complete one-pan meal. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet special enough to serve to guests.