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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta to perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines precisely.
- 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.
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate, leaving behind flavorful browned bits in the skillet.
- 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.
- Introduce halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they slightly soften and release their natural juices, around 4-5 minutes.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the aromatic sauce.
- Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the mixture, allowing them to wilt and incorporate seamlessly with the feta cheese.
- Combine the vibrant skillet mixture with the perfectly cooked pasta, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the Mediterranean-inspired sauce.
- 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