This Chicken Feta Pasta is a quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together in just 30 minutes! Featuring tender pan-seared chicken, creamy feta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it’s a meal the whole family will love!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

12 oz bow-tie pasta (or any pasta of choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed for sauce consistency)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook Garlic & Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir in Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and lemon juice. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed for a creamier texture.
Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful Mediterranean pasta dish!

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sodium: 500 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
One-pan cooking – Minimal cleanup, as most of the ingredients are cooked in a single skillet.
Packed with flavor – A combination of fresh herbs, spices, and feta cheese adds depth to every bite.
Highly customizable – You can adjust ingredients based on personal preference or dietary needs.

Mediterranean Flavors That Make This Dish Stand Out

This dish is inspired by the classic flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh ingredients, healthy fats, and aromatic herbs. Here’s how the key ingredients contribute to its bold taste:

Feta Cheese: A crumbly, tangy cheese that melts slightly when mixed with warm pasta, creating a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.
Kalamata Olives: These dark, rich olives provide a salty and slightly fruity contrast to the other ingredients.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the salty feta and olives while adding a juicy texture.
Oregano and Smoked Paprika: These spices bring warmth and depth, enhancing the Mediterranean character of the dish.
Lemon Juice: A fresh splash of citrus brightens the overall flavor, tying all the elements together.

Choosing the Right Pasta for This Recipe

While bow-tie (farfalle) pasta is recommended, you can easily swap it for other pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as:

Penne: Its ridges help capture all the delicious seasonings and feta crumbles.
Rotini: The spiral shape works well with the other ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Orzo: A smaller pasta option that makes the dish feel more like a Mediterranean-style pasta salad.

If you’re looking for a lower-carb alternative, you can use whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, or even zucchini noodles.

The Secret to Juicy Chicken in Pasta Dishes

Cooking chicken properly ensures it remains juicy and flavorful. Here are a few tips:

Cut chicken into uniform pieces – This helps it cook evenly and prevents some pieces from drying out while others are still undercooked.
Season well before cooking – Spices like oregano, smoked paprika, and garlic powder enhance the chicken’s flavor before it even touches the pan.
Use medium-high heat for a good sear – Searing locks in juices, creating a golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
Let the chicken rest after cooking – This helps retain moisture and ensures every bite is succulent.

How to Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency

One of the best things about this Chicken Feta Pasta is the light, flavorful sauce that coats every bite. Since feta cheese naturally softens when mixed with warm pasta, it creates a creamy coating without feeling heavy. However, for an even silkier texture, reserved pasta water can be added gradually to loosen the sauce.

Why use pasta water? The starchy water helps bind the sauce ingredients together, making the dish extra luscious without needing additional cream or butter.

Customizing This Dish to Your Taste

This recipe is highly versatile and can be adjusted based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some easy modifications:

Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for a plant-based version.
Add extra protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even chickpeas for added protein.
Enhance the spice level: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Go dairy-free: Use a dairy-free feta alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

What to Serve with Chicken Feta Pasta

While this dish is satisfying on its own, you can round out your meal with some complementary sides:

Greek Salad: A refreshing side with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a light vinaigrette.
Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread pairs beautifully with the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, eggplant, or bell peppers for an extra serving of greens.
White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the Mediterranean flavors in this dish.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

If you want to prepare this dish in advance or save leftovers for later, here’s how to do it:

Make ahead: Cook the chicken and pasta separately, then store them in airtight containers. When ready to eat, reheat and combine with fresh feta, olives, and basil.
Store leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat properly: Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may change the texture of the feta.

Why This Recipe is a Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Chicken Feta Pasta is a fantastic weeknight meal because it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. With simple ingredients, quick cooking time, and easy cleanup, it’s an excellent choice for those who want a satisfying homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish also brings a restaurant-quality experience to your dinner table, making it great for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delicious, wholesome meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Feta Pasta is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, tangy feta cheese, and fresh ingredients for a balanced and flavorful meal. Its ease of preparation, versatility, and vibrant taste make it a must-try recipe for any pasta lover.

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