Mediterranean Zest Chicken Pasta

$For a tasty Greek chicken pasta, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you'll use: - Chicken and Pasta Components - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz penne pasta - Vegetables and Seasonings - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Toppings and Garnishes - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients bring bright flavors and textures. The chicken gives protein, while the pasta adds heartiness. Fresh veggies keep it healthy. The olives and feta add a salty punch. Each bite is a taste of the Mediterranean! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package's instructions. You want it to be al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 diced chicken breasts. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should turn golden brown and cook all the way through. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for 1 more minute until you smell the garlic. Now, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of chopped spinach. Cook everything together until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of sliced Kalamata olives and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss everything well for about 2 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your vibrant Greek chicken pasta! To get the best out of your Greek chicken pasta, timing is key. Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water for about 10-12 minutes. Aim for al dente, which means slightly firm. For the chicken, cook it for 5-7 minutes in a hot skillet. You want it golden and fully cooked. Stir often to avoid burning. When you add the garlic and vegetables, keep cooking for just a few minutes. This brings out their flavors. This dish is great for lunch or dinner. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. I love adding extra Kalamata olives for a briny kick. Fresh lemon wedges on the side make it even better. You can pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal. A glass of white wine complements the flavors nicely too. To make your dish look fancy, use bowls instead of plates. First, add the pasta. Then, sprinkle extra feta cheese and parsley on top. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine. For a pop of color, place lemon wedges around the dish. This not only looks nice but also gives your guests a fresh burst of flavor when they squeeze the lemon juice over their serving. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the penne pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot chicken and vegetables. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes like toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added crunch and kick. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free meal, try swapping chicken with chickpeas. Use one can, drained and rinsed. This adds protein and keeps the dish hearty. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. They will give your pasta more color and taste. Just sauté them with garlic before adding the other ingredients. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good, too. You can also use spiralized veggies like zucchini or carrots. They are fun and healthy. Just cook them briefly before adding them to the mix. Feel free to mix in your favorite flavors. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet touch. You can also toss in artichoke hearts or capers for a salty kick. For heat, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili. Don't forget to adjust the lemon juice to balance the flavors. The key is to make it your own! To store leftover Greek Chicken Pasta, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. This will help keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also separate the chicken from the pasta if you like. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. Heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to warm evenly. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water to the pan. Heat over low heat until warm, stirring often. Freezing Greek Chicken Pasta is also simple. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the pasta will expand. Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to two months. To defrost, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve Greek Chicken Pasta with a fresh salad. A simple Greek salad works great. Just mix cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. You can also add a side of garlic bread. This adds crunch and flavor. Another option is to serve with lemon wedges. They give a bright taste that balances the dish. Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Penne is great, but try rotini or fusilli too. These shapes hold sauce well. For a lighter option, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. They add a nice twist to the dish. Just adjust cooking times as needed for fresh veggies. To spice it up, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste it. You can also include diced jalapeños for heat. If you like sauces, try adding a spicy marinara. Another idea is to mix in some hot sauce. This gives a kick without changing much of the dish. This blog post covered everything you need for Greek Chicken Pasta. We listed key ingredients and shared simple steps for cooking. I offered tips for perfecting your dish and ideas for variations. You also learned how to store and reheat leftovers. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With these insights, you can create a meal that impresses. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

A delicious and vibrant pasta dish featuring chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
to taste fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes start to soften (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the sliced olives, feta cheese, dried oregano, and lemon juice. Toss well to combine all ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2 minutes on heat.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Dish out the pasta in bowls, sprinkle with extra feta and parsley on top, and drizzle with a little olive oil for that finishing touch. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick!

Keyword chicken, Mediterranean, pasta, quick meal