Greek Chicken Pasta: A Mediterranean Delight in Every Bite

Greek Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a medley of classic Greek ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering. It’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the tastes of the Mediterranean.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful:** The combination of lemon, garlic, oregano, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil, this pasta dish is a nutritious meal option.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe comes together in under an hour.
* **Versatile:** Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or add a touch of spice to suit your preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is always a hit with family and friends, making it perfect for potlucks, parties, or casual get-togethers.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* **Kalamata Olives:** 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* **Feta Cheese:** 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* **Lemon:** 1 lemon, juiced and zested
* **Dried Oregano:** 2 teaspoons dried oregano
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Cook the Pasta:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
* Drain the pasta and set aside.

**2. Prepare the Chicken:**

* In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
* Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet.
* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
* Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they start to soften.

**4. Combine and Simmer:**

* Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
* Add the drained pasta, Kalamata olives, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
* Stir well to combine.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

**5. Add Feta and Serve:**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in half of the crumbled feta cheese.
* Serve the Greek Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with the remaining feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill (if using).

## Tips and Variations

* **Pasta Shape:** Feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, fusilli, and farfalle are all great choices.
* **Chicken Thighs:** For a richer flavor, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Cook them for a longer period to ensure they are fully cooked.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Spice:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic.
* **Lemon Herb Marinade:** Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of flavor to this dish. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, and chopped.
* **Spinach:** Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color. It will wilt quickly.
* **Artichoke Hearts:** Quartered artichoke hearts provide a tangy and slightly briny flavor that complements the other Greek ingredients.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
* **Grilled Chicken:** Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor before adding it to the pasta.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Leftovers:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the Greek Chicken Pasta as a main course for lunch or dinner.
* Pair it with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
* Serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* It’s also great served cold as a pasta salad for picnics or potlucks.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving – may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 5-7g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make the pasta dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken separately, and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, combine all the ingredients in a skillet and heat through.

**Q: Can I freeze this recipe?**

A: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**

A: While feta cheese is the traditional choice for Greek dishes, you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta salata.

**Q: Can I add more vegetables?**

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, spinach, eggplant, or artichoke hearts.

**Q: How long does it take to cook the chicken?**

A: The chicken should be cooked through in about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces and the heat of the skillet. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

**Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?**

A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the skillet with the vegetables.

**Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?**

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**

A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables, such as chickpeas or white beans, for protein.

**Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?**

A: Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

**Q: What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?**

A: Penne, rotini, fusilli, and farfalle are all great choices for this recipe because they hold the sauce and ingredients well. However, you can use any pasta shape you like.

## Enjoy Your Greek Chicken Pasta!

This Greek Chicken Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a flavorful and healthy meal on the table in no time. Enjoy!