Tender pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious Mediterranean-style cream sauce with garlic, lemon, sun-dried tomatoes, and briny capers β€” served over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti.
This dish balances creamy richness with bright, savory Mediterranean flavors for a truly elegant meal.


πŸ§‚ Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g total)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Β½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Β½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and sliced
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • ΒΎ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • ΒΌ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
  • Juice of Β½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • Extra Parmesan, for garnish

πŸ‘©β€πŸ³ Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally (if thick) to make even cutlets, about Β½ inch thick.
  2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

2. Cook the Pasta

  • Meanwhile, cook spaghetti or linguine in salted boiling water until al dente.
  • Drain, toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside.

3. Make the Mediterranean Cream Sauce

  1. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean!), reduce heat to medium.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and capers, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  5. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
  6. Stir and simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

4. Combine Everything

  1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the creamy sauce.
  2. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Add chopped parsley for a fresh Mediterranean touch.

5. Serve

  • Place a serving of pasta on each plate, top with a chicken breast, and spoon generous sauce over the top.
  • Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a few extra capers or sun-dried tomato pieces.

🍷 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil, lemon, and oregano.
  • Pair with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
  • Add warm crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce!

πŸ’‘ Tips & Variations

  • For extra Mediterranean flair: add chopped olives or artichoke hearts.
  • To lighten it up: use Greek yogurt instead of cream, and reduce cheese slightly.
  • For spice lovers: add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautΓ©ing the garlic.
  • Gluten-free option: serve over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.

❀️ Why You’ll Love It

This dish brings together the best of the Mediterranean β€” olive oil, garlic, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon β€” with the comforting richness of creamy pasta. It’s indulgent yet balanced, and perfect for an elegant dinner or weekend meal.