Zesty Chicken Feta Pasta with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Creamy and vibrant, this chicken feta pasta with spinach bursts with Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken, crumbled feta, and bright cherry tomatoes meld into a symphony of deliciousness.

Silky spinach weaves through each perfectly cooked pasta strand, creating a colorful and inviting dish.

The combination of ingredients promises a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Fresh herbs and a touch of garlic elevate this recipe from simple to spectacular.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you savor this irresistible pasta creation.

Chicken Feta Pasta Spinach Tomato Must-Trys

• Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a one-pan meal that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful, restaurant-worthy dish without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken cuts, adjust seasonings, or modify vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, leafy greens from spinach, and tangy feta, this recipe delivers a balanced, wholesome meal in minimal preparation time.
• Family-Friendly Fusion: Combines kid-approved pasta with fresh ingredients, making it an excellent option for pleasing different palates and introducing healthy eating habits.

Chicken Feta Pasta With Tomato Key Ingredients

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish.
• Pasta: Classic base that carries the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly cheese that adds a creamy and salty dimension to the pasta.

• Grape Tomatoes, Spinach: Fresh vegetables that provide color, nutrition, and vibrant flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Essential liquids that help create a light, bright sauce and add moisture to the pasta.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices and herbs that season the chicken and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

Chicken Feta Pasta Instructions Made Easy

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and add pasta.

Cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Season Chicken

• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add seasoned chicken and cook thoroughly, turning occasionally.

Ensure chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Create Tomato Base

• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Olive oil

Cook for approximately 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 5: Wilt Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the tomato mixture.

Stir and cook until spinach becomes tender and wilts completely.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add drained pasta to the skillet with vegetables.

Pour in lemon juice and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese.

Gently reheat and stir everything together for about 1 minute.

Step 7: Final Touch

Return cooked chicken to the skillet.

Warm gently and mix all ingredients.

Drizzle with an extra splash of olive oil if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal.

Tips For Chicken Feta Pasta With Spinach

• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or white beans for a versatile vegetarian or pescatarian twist without changing the recipe's core flavors.
• Chop fresh basil or parsley right before serving to enhance the dish's brightness and add a vibrant, aromatic finish to your pasta.
• For softer tomatoes, cook them slightly longer; for a more fresh taste, reduce cooking time to maintain their firmer structure and bright color.
• Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining to help create a silkier sauce if the mixture seems too dry when combining ingredients.
• Crumble feta cheese while it's cold for better texture and sprinkle some on top just before serving to preserve its creamy, tangy character.

Chicken Feta Pasta Tasty Twist Ideas

• Mediterranean Vegetarian Pasta: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted eggplant cubes for a hearty vegetarian option packed with Mediterranean flavors.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish light and fresh.
• Spicy Greek-Inspired Pasta: Add red pepper flakes, increase garlic, and include kalamata olives for an extra bold and zesty Mediterranean-style meal with a kick.
• Dairy-Free Cashew Cheese Adaptation: Substitute feta with homemade or store-bought cashew cheese to create a creamy, plant-based version suitable for dairy-free diets.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Feta Pasta Dish

• Mediterranean Feast Plating: Arrange the pasta on a large, rustic ceramic plate with chicken pieces artfully scattered on top. Sprinkle extra feta crumbles and fresh basil leaves for a gorgeous presentation.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Chop fresh parsley, dill, or oregano and generously sprinkle over the pasta to enhance flavor and add vibrant green color. These herbs complement the Mediterranean profile perfectly.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a crisp, chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The light, zesty wine will beautifully balance the rich, creamy pasta and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Side Salad Companion: Prepare a quick Greek-style salad with cucumber, red onions, and kalamata olives dressed in olive oil and lemon juice.

Chicken Feta Pasta Storing And Reheating Guide

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying. Stir gently to maintain pasta's texture and prevent sticking.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap out the pasta. Penne, rotini, or fusilli work great and hold the sauce well.

• Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen spinach completely before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.

• What can I substitute for feta cheese if I don't have it?

Goat cheese or ricotta are excellent alternatives that provide a similar creamy and tangy flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while cooking the tomatoes or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for an extra kick of heat.

Chicken Feta Pasta with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken feta pasta showcases Mediterranean flavors dancing with fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes. Simple ingredients blend into a quick, elegant meal that delights hungry diners craving comfort and zest.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) skinless boneless chicken tenderloins (or sliced skinless, boneless thighs or breasts)
• 6 ounces (170 grams) crumbled feta cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) farfalle bow-tie pasta
• 8 ounces (227 grams) grape tomatoes (2 colors: red and yellow, sliced in half)
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of water and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken tenderloins with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken thoroughly for 10-15 minutes, ensuring no pink remains. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and olive oil for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
5. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until completely wilted.
6. Incorporate cooked pasta into the vegetable mixture, stirring gently to combine.
7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese into the skillet.
8. Reheat the entire mixture on medium heat for 1 minute, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
9. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, warming gently to prevent overcooking.
10. Drizzle an additional tablespoon of olive oil if desired for extra richness before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s packed with plant-based protein and keeps the same delicious flavor profile.
• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining the dish’s creamy, tangy essence.
• Quickly pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Try additional herbs like fresh basil or oregano to elevate the Mediterranean-inspired taste and add an extra layer of freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 523 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg