Mediterranean Penne Pasta with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Chicken
This Mediterranean Penne Pasta with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Chicken is rich, comforting, and packed with fresh Mediterranean flavor. Tender grilled chicken is served over perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a creamy garlic herb sauce with spinach, tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs.
It’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or restaurant-style comfort food at home.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups spinach
½ cup parmesan cheese
¼ cup feta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
Kalamata olives
Sun-dried tomatoes
Mushrooms
Chili flakes
Fresh basil
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Penne Pasta
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine:
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic
oregano
paprika
salt
pepper
Coat chicken well and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil.
Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
Reserve about ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for about:
5–6 minutes per side
Until fully cooked and golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil.
Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.
Add:
cherry tomatoes
spinach
Cook until spinach wilts slightly.
Pour in:
cream
chicken broth
Dijon mustard
lemon juice
Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Stir in:
parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
salt
pepper
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
Toss until creamy and coated.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Top with:
sliced grilled chicken
feta cheese
herbs
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm with:
parsley
basil
extra parmesan
lemon wedges
Helpful Tips
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Al dente pasta holds sauce better.
Rest the Chicken
This keeps it juicy.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh citrus balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Save Pasta Water
It helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
Easy Variations
Lighter Version
Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
Extra Mediterranean Style
Add olives and artichokes.
Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or harissa.
Seafood Version
Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, though cream sauce is best fresh.
How long do leftovers last?
About 3 days refrigerated.
Can I reheat it?
Yes, gently with a splash of milk or broth.
Can I use another pasta?
Absolutely. Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work great.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 690
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 620mg