🥦🍝 Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta – Mediterranean Style

🌿 Description

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a comforting yet wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dish made with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, garlic, olive oil, and a light creamy sauce. Instead of heavy cream alone, this version balances richness with Greek yogurt and Parmesan for a silky texture without being overly heavy.

It’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even entertaining guests — satisfying, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

12 oz (340 g) whole wheat pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
3 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (room temperature)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Zest of ½ lemon
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Remove from pan and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté Garlic & Broccoli

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed.
Add broccoli and sauté 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2–3 minutes to soften broccoli.

4️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower heat.
Stir in Greek yogurt slowly (to prevent curdling).
Add Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
If sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until creamy.

5️⃣ Combine Everything

Return chicken to skillet.
Add drained pasta.
Toss until everything is evenly coated in sauce.
Adjust seasoning.

6️⃣ Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve warm with a side salad or crusty Mediterranean bread.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Pair with a cucumber-tomato salad
Add olives for extra Mediterranean flavor
Serve with sparkling water with lemon

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use heavy cream instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes. Replace yogurt with 1 cup heavy cream for a richer version. Simmer gently to thicken.

Q2: How do I prevent yogurt from curdling?

Make sure it’s at room temperature and stir it in on low heat. Adding a little pasta water first helps temper it.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely — spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms work beautifully.

Q5: How long does it store?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.