If you’re looking for a vibrant yet comforting dinner, this Mediterranean chicken feta pasta is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, tangy feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a dish bursting with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare yet impressive enough for guests or a cozy family meal.
Using fresh ingredients and Mediterranean staples, this recipe brings a taste of the sunny coast right to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you can whip this up in under 40 minutes and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and colorful.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Uses simple, fresh Mediterranean ingredients for authentic flavor.
- Balanced protein and carbs for a complete meal.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or pasta types.
- Creamy feta adds a tangy richness without overwhelming the dish.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to create the best Mediterranean chicken feta pasta.
- 12 ounces penne pasta or your favorite short pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
How to Make Best Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 10-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, then add to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Toss everything gently to combine and warm through.
- Remove from heat and fold in the crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil, and parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use high-quality feta for the best flavor and crumble it fresh rather than pre-crumbled.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be just cooked through to stay tender.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Feel free to swap penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for variation.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula at the end for extra greens and nutrition.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover Mediterranean chicken feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier the next day.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving for long periods to preserve texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from being rubbery or undercooked.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for some sweetness and depth, though the flavor will be milder.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta holds up well in the fridge and can be portioned for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just keep the feta separate if you want to maintain its texture.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts. The feta and olives provide plenty of protein and flavor.