Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

Fresh Mediterranean chicken feta pasta with tomatoes, spinach, and herbs—light, zesty, and ready in 30 minutes. A perfect weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this pasta delivers on every level. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Balanced, nourishing, and satisfying
• Bursting with Mediterranean flavors
• Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy nights
• Ideal for meal prep or leftovers
• Naturally vibrant and beautiful on the plate

Ingredients

• 8 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
• 1.5 lb chicken tenderloins (or thighs/breasts), cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 6 oz crumbled feta cheese

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil farfalle in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and cherry tomatoes for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
5. Add the Spinach:
   Stir in spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
6. Combine Everything:
   Add cooked pasta, lemon juice, and feta cheese to the skillet. Stir well to combine and warm through.
7. Finish and Serve:
   Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss gently and serve warm.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: Approx. 480 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add Olives: Toss in kalamata or green olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
• Go Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic and tomato sauté.
• Herb Swap: Use fresh basil or oregano instead of dried seasoning.
• Pasta Alternatives: Try penne, rotini, or gluten-free pasta.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the veggies or add chickpeas.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or lemon juice to revive the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken works great—just slice and stir in at the end.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Substitute the feta with a dairy-free cheese or leave it out for a lighter version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make it completely gluten-free.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet.

What if I don’t have farfalle?

Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni will work.

Does this freeze well?

It’s best fresh, but can be frozen. Let it thaw overnight and reheat with a little extra liquid.

Can I use another cheese besides feta?

Yes, goat cheese or even crumbled ricotta salata are good alternatives.

Is this good for meal prep?

Absolutely—it reheats well and holds up for several days.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Zucchini, artichokes, or bell peppers are great additions.

What pairs well with this dish?

Serve with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta is a deliciously fresh and satisfying dinner that’s both simple to prepare and full of flavor. With tender chicken, creamy feta, bright lemon, and plenty of veggies, this 30-minute pasta dish is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a weeknight staple.

Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Fresh Mediterranean chicken feta pasta with tomatoes, spinach, and herbs—light, zesty, and ready in 30 minutes. A perfect weeknight dinner!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
• 1.5 lb chicken tenderloins (or thighs/breasts), cut into strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 8 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 6 oz crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions

• Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.
• In the same skillet, sauté garlic and cherry tomatoes for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
• Add spinach, cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
• Stir in pasta, lemon juice, and feta cheese. Mix and heat through.
• Slice cooked chicken and return to skillet. Toss everything together. Serve hot.

Notes

• You can substitute farfalle with penne or rotini.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean