Chicken Feta Greek Pasta
Tender chicken, feta, tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs tossed with pasta for bold Greek flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 ozpenne or fusilli pasta
- 2 mediumboneless
skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, about 12 oz
- 1 smallred onion
finely chopped
- 2 clovesgarlic
minced
- 1red bell pepper
diced
- 3 ½ ozsun-dried tomatoes
oil-packed and drained, sliced
- 3 ½ ozcherry tomatoes
halved
- 2 ozpitted kalamata olives
halved
- 2 cbaby spinach leaves
- 4 ozfeta cheese
crumbled
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 1 tspdried oregano
- ½ tspdried thyme
- ½ tspchili flakes
optional
- to tastesalt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbspfresh parsley
chopped
- 1 tbspfresh dill
chopped, optional
Directions
- 1
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- 3
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 4
Add sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the skillet. Cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring well.
- 5
Return the chicken to the skillet, then add baby spinach leaves. Sauté until spinach is wilted.
- 6
Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly with the chicken and vegetables. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, if needed to loosen the mixture.
- 7
Remove skillet from heat and gently fold in crumbled feta, parsley, and optional fresh dill.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
About this Recipe
Savor the Mediterranean: Quick & Easy Chicken Feta Greek Pasta
Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this incredible Chicken Feta Greek Pasta! This vibrant dish is a celebration of fresh, bold flavors, making it the perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly quick to prepare. In just 40 minutes total, you can have a gourmet-tasting dinner on the table, packed with tender chicken and aromatic Mediterranean ingredients.
What makes this Greek pasta truly special is the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Imagine succulent, tender chicken pieces mingling with salty crumbled feta cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and briny kalamata olives. Fresh cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, while baby spinach adds a touch of earthiness. The magic is rounded out with fragrant fresh herbs like parsley and dill, along with classic dried oregano and thyme, infusing every bite with authentic bold Greek flavor.
This recipe uses penne or fusilli, which are fantastic for catching all those delicious bits of sauce and toppings, ensuring a burst of flavor in every forkful. It's an incredibly versatile meal; you can easily adjust the amount of chili flakes for a gentle warmth or omit them for a milder profile. For an extra bright finish, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a wonderful zesty lift.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook your pasta; al dente is key for the best texture.
- Save a splash of the pasta cooking water to help emulsify the sauce if needed, making it extra silky.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Serve this beautiful Chicken Feta Greek Pasta on its own for a complete and wholesome meal, or alongside a simple green salad and some crusty bread for dipping into any leftover dressing.