🍝🥦 Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta (Mediterranean Style)
📝 Description
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta blends tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and a light creamy sauce inspired by Mediterranean cooking. Instead of heavy cream alone, the sauce is balanced with olive oil, a touch of cream, and Parmesan, keeping it comforting yet wholesome—perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Pasta & Protein
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300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or whole-wheat)
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2 chicken breasts, sliced
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
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2 cups broccoli florets
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3 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
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¾ cup milk (or half-and-half)
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¼ cup light cream (or more milk for lighter version)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried basil
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
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¼ cup reserved pasta water
Finish
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
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Extra Parmesan for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
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Cook pasta
Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. -
Cook chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Make sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Pour in milk and cream, then stir in oregano, basil, nutmeg, and Parmesan. Simmer gently until slightly thickened. -
Combine
Add pasta, broccoli, chicken, and a splash of pasta water. Toss until creamy and well coated. -
Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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With a Mediterranean green salad
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Alongside garlic-rubbed whole-grain bread
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Finish with lemon zest for brightness
🧠 Nutrition Highlights
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Lean protein from chicken
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Calcium and protein from dairy
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Fiber and vitamins from broccoli
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Heart-healthy olive oil
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this lighter?
Yes. Use milk only and reduce cheese slightly.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain well before adding.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—creamy, mild, and familiar flavors.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free pasta.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently with milk.
Q: Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes—spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work well.
