Greek Chicken Penne Perfection: A Flavorful Mediterranean Delight

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Look no further! This Greek Chicken Penne recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a delicious lemon-herb sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or any time you want a taste of Greece.

## Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Penne

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of salty olives, tangy feta, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and bright lemon creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its complex flavor profile, this recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward. It comes together in about 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences. You can add different vegetables, herbs, or cheeses to create your own unique variation.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** This dish is packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the olive oil and feta cheese, and vitamins from the vegetables. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This Greek Chicken Penne is always a hit at parties and gatherings. Its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

* **Penne Pasta:** 1 pound. Penne is the classic choice for this dish, but you can also use other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle.
* **Chicken Breast:** 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion will work fine.
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** 1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped. The oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add a richer flavor to the dish.
* **Kalamata Olives:** 1/2 cup, pitted and halved. Kalamata olives are a must for that authentic Greek flavor.
* **Feta Cheese:** 1/2 cup, crumbled. Use a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, fresh. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the sauce.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. Oregano is a staple in Greek cuisine.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon. Basil complements the oregano and adds a touch of sweetness.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat). Adjust to your spice preference.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Greek Chicken Penne:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm but not mushy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 4: Build the Sauce**

1. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. This will help the flavors concentrate.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

**Step 5: Combine Everything**

1. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

**Step 6: Finish and Serve**

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts. Add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor of the dish. Fresh dill, mint, or thyme would all be delicious additions.
* **Add a Creamy Element:** For a richer and creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
* **Use a Rotisserie Chicken:** To save time, you can use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken yourself. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce.
* **Add a Splash of White Wine:** For a more complex flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the onions and garlic. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the other sauce ingredients.
* **Spice it Up:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve this Greek Chicken Penne with a side salad, garlic bread, or a crusty baguette for dipping in the sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 600-700 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Protein: 40-50 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving

This nutritional information is an estimate only and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

## Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Greek Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. However, penne is the classic choice for this dish.

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**

A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. Just make sure to cook them until they are cooked through.

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

A: While you can freeze this dish, the pasta may become slightly mushy upon thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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

A: Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. Consider adding chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.

**Q: Can I add other cheeses besides feta?**

A: Yes, you can add other cheeses to this dish, such as Parmesan or ricotta. However, feta cheese is the traditional choice and adds a unique tangy flavor.

## Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Penne recipe is a delicious and easy way to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. With its vibrant combination of chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and lemon-herb sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a taste of Greece! Kali Orexi (Bon appétit)!