Description
A vibrant Mediterranean pasta dish featuring chicken, creamy feta, and colorful vegetables that warms the heart and the stomach.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz Penne or Fusilli Pasta
- 2 Medium Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 Small Red Onion
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 3.5 oz Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Oil-Packed
- 3.5 oz Cherry Tomatoes, Halved
- 2 oz Pitted Kalamata Olives, Halved
- 2 Cups Baby Spinach Leaves
- 4 oz Feta Cheese, Crumbled
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes (Optional)
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, Chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, Chopped (Optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat remaining olive oil. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add Other Ingredients: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Cook for approximately 2 minutes.
- Combine It All: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Mix in the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Finish with Flavor: Remove from heat, fold in feta, parsley, and optional dill. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with additional parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare pasta and chop veggies a day ahead to save time. Store in separate containers in the fridge until ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg