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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken tenderloins with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, sauté halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and olive oil for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until completely wilted.
- Incorporate cooked pasta into the vegetable mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese into the skillet.
- Reheat the entire mixture on medium heat for 1 minute, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, warming gently to prevent overcooking.
- 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