Creamy Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta Recipe: A Delightful Twist

A mouthwatering chicken feta spinach pasta combines Mediterranean flavors with comforting textures that instantly elevate a weeknight dinner.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of tastes that feel both sophisticated and approachable.

Home cooks adore this recipe for its simple yet elegant approach to combining protein, greens, and creamy cheese.

Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutritional depth to the dish, making each bite both delicious and wholesome.

Tangy feta crumbles bring a salty punch that perfectly complements the tender chicken pieces nestled among pasta strands.

Robust seasonings change ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a culinary adventure.

Weeknight cooking gets a delightful upgrade with this quick and satisfying recipe that promises to impress even discerning palates.

Cooking Guide for Feta Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken with Herbs

• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice

Simmer the mixture for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Add Vibrant Tomatoes

Toss cherry tomatoes into the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Return cooked chicken to the pan.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Cheese

Stir in fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Cook until spinach wilts and cheese slightly melts. Combine the chicken mixture with cooked pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Red pepper flakes
• Grated parmesan cheese

Plate and enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cooking Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 25 mins

Nutrition: 454 calories | Serves 4

Tips for Perfectly Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Seal in Flavor: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in delicious herbs and spices.
• Control Pasta Texture: Watch pasta closely while cooking to achieve perfect al dente consistency, preventing mushy or undercooked noodles.
• Maximize Spinach Freshness: Add spinach last and stir quickly to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
• Balance Lemon Brightness: Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste, starting with less and adding more to create a zesty yet balanced flavor profile.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle feta off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy, ensuring a creamy and smooth cheese integration.

Storage and Reheat Instructions for Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, where it can maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheat: Warm gently in microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying, stirring occasionally until heated through to 165°F, which helps maintain the pasta's moisture and flavor.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Feta Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the lemony, garlicky chicken pasta. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness of feta and balances the dish's herbal notes.
• Serve with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, olives, and a simple vinaigrette. This side adds freshness and crunch, enhancing the pasta's Mediterranean flavors.
• Match with Herbed Focaccia Bread: Warm, olive oil-brushed focaccia with rosemary or oregano perfectly soaks up the sauce and provides a delightful textural contrast to the pasta.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: A tangy, cold lemon sorbet cleanses the palate after the rich, savory meal, echoing the citrus notes in the pasta and providing a refreshing end to dinner.

Flavor Variations on Chicken Feta Pasta

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp and add kalamata olives for a seafood-inspired Mediterranean version of the pasta dish.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas or crumbled tofu, keeping the same herb and feta profile for a protein-packed meatless meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate black beans, swap oregano for cumin, and add diced green chiles to create a zesty southwestern-style pasta with a kick of heat.
• Creamy Green Goddess: Blend the sauce with additional spinach and Greek yogurt to create a more luxurious, creamy texture while maintaining the original dish's fresh flavors.

Creamy Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta Bake

• Savor Quick Mediterranean Magic: Dive into a lightning-fast pasta dish that brings together zesty chicken, creamy feta, and vibrant spinach in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Enjoy Flavor-Packed Nutrition Boost: This protein-rich meal combines lean chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and tangy feta cheese, delivering a balanced and satisfying plate that doesn't compromise on taste or health.
• Experience Effortless Gourmet Cooking: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, even novice home cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal that impresses family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: The recipe offers flexible options like adding red pepper flakes or parmesan, allowing you to personalize the dish to match your taste preferences and spice tolerance.

Ingredients for Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substantial flavor and texture to the dish, best when fresh and trimmed.
• Pasta: Hearty base for the recipe, Choose short shapes like penne or rotini that hold sauce well.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and subtle richness.
• Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder: Classic Mediterranean herbs that add depth and aroma.
• Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy elements that balance the dish's richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers.

• Grape Tomatoes, Baby Spinach: Fresh vegetables that add color, nutrition, and light, vibrant flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese that brings Mediterranean character, preferably packed in herbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional finishing cheese with nutty, sharp accent.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall savory profile of the dish.

Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired chicken feta spinach pasta promises a delightful culinary journey through fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Creamy feta, tender chicken, and nutrient-packed spinach combine in a quick weeknight meal that will transport you to sunny Greek islands with each delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 and ½ cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
• 3.5 ounces (100 grams) feta cheese (cubed and packed in oil and herbs)

Vegetables and Tomatoes:

• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) container little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), halved

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta to perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines precisely.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then sear chicken pieces seasoned with oregano and garlic powder until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Transfer chicken to a clean plate, leaving behind flavorful browned bits in the skillet.
4. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, whisking in smooth Dijon mustard, and squeezing fresh lemon juice, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce for one minute.
5. Introduce halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they slightly soften and release their natural juices, around 4-5 minutes.
6. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the aromatic sauce.
7. Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the mixture, allowing them to wilt and incorporate seamlessly with the feta cheese.
8. Combine the vibrant skillet mixture with the perfectly cooked pasta, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the Mediterranean-inspired sauce.
9. Optional: Enhance the dish’s complexity by sprinkling red pepper flakes and freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

• Toss chicken with herbs before cooking for deeper flavor infusion.
• Fresh feta crumbles melt beautifully over hot pasta, creating creamy texture.
• Swap spinach with kale or arugula for unique taste variations and added nutrition boost.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg