🍝 Creamy Garlic Chicken & Penne (Mediterranean)
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏱ Cook Time: 30 minutes
🍽 Serves: 4
🧺 Ingredients
Chicken
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried oregano
Pasta
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12 oz penne pasta
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Salted water for boiling
Creamy Garlic Sauce
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter (optional)
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
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½ tsp dried basil
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¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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½ cup pasta water (as needed)
Optional Mediterranean Add-Ins
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
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1 cup baby spinach
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Sliced olives or artichokes
Garnish
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Fresh parsley or basil
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Extra Parmesan
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Penne
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Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente.
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Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear chicken 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
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Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
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In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter.
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Sauté garlic until fragrant (30–45 seconds).
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Reduce heat and stir in cream.
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Simmer gently, then add Parmesan, basil, and chili flakes.
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Whisk until smooth.
4️⃣ Combine
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Add cooked penne to the sauce.
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Toss with reserved pasta water to loosen.
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Return chicken to the skillet.
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Stir in optional sun-dried tomatoes or spinach.
5️⃣ Serve
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Garnish with fresh herbs and extra cheese.
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Finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
🌿 Mediterranean Tips
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Swap cream for Greek yogurt + milk for lighter sauce
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Add lemon zest for brightness
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Use whole wheat penne for a Mediterranean upgrade
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Greek salad or tomato-cucumber salad
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Garlic-roasted vegetables
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Warm olive oil bread
