Greek Pasta with Chicken
If you’re looking to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table, this Greek Pasta with Chicken is the answer! Combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy feta, this dish is a feast for the senses. The flavors meld beautifully, and the creamy sauce coats the pasta perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal that’ll impress your family or guests.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– Bursting with Mediterranean flavors that take your taste buds on a journey.
– Creamy and delicious sauce that brings all the ingredients together.
– Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
– Packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
– Leftovers taste even better the next day!
What Goes Into Greek Pasta with Chicken
- 12 ounces linguine – A great pasta choice that holds onto the creamy sauce.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star protein of this dish, providing a hearty bite.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided – Adds a lovely herbaceous note typical of Greek cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and onions, enhancing the dish’s richness.
- 1/2 medium onion, diced – Provides a sweet and savory base to the sauce.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a fragrant and robust flavor to the dish.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut in cubes and softened – Creates a creamy sauce that envelops the pasta.
- 2/3 cup half-and-half – Helps to thin out the cream cheese into a luscious sauce.
- 8 ounces crumbled feta cheese – The quintessential Greek cheese that adds tanginess and creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – To taste, adjusting the overall seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper – Adds a hint of heat and depth to the dish.
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves – A nutritious addition that wilts down beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes in oil – Offers a rich, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives – Provides a briny and savory element, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe.
- 1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers – Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley – For garnish and a fresh burst of flavor.
Gear Checklist
- Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
- Skillet – To sauté the chicken and prepare the sauce.
- Mixing spoon – For stirring everything together.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure the right proportions of ingredients.
- Cutting board and knife – For chopping the vegetables and chicken.
- Colander – To drain the pasta once cooked.
Greek Pasta with Chicken in Steps
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese cubes to the skillet, stirring until melted. Gradually pour in the half-and-half, mixing until smooth. Stir in the feta cheese, lemon juice, remaining dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Add the baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
Step 6: Add the Pasta
Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Mix until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the Greek Pasta with Chicken into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Easy Ingredient Swaps
- Pasta: Substitute linguine with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Chicken: Use shrimp or tofu for a different protein choice.
- Feta Cheese: Swap with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if desired.
- Vegetables: Add or replace with your favorite veggies like zucchini, artichokes, or bell peppers.
If You’re Curious
This Greek Pasta with Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile! Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or swapping out the protein. The Mediterranean flavors are incredibly forgiving and can accommodate your pantry staples or seasonal finds. Plus, the creamy sauce is so comforting, it’s bound to become a staple in your household.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
You can keep this Greek Pasta with Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it freezes well for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the chicken and consider adding more vegetables or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking for a kick, try adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for some heat.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but they will provide a different flavor and texture. Be sure to sauté them until they break down a bit for a similar effect.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
A simple green salad or some garlic bread would pair perfectly with this Greek Pasta with Chicken, rounding out your meal.
Let’s Eat
Now that you have the recipe for Greek Pasta with Chicken, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cooking. Imagine the aroma of garlic and herbs filling your kitchen as you create this delightful dish. Each forkful will transport you to a sun-soaked terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy this delicious taste of Greece right at home!
Greek Pasta with Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese cubes to the skillet, stirring until melted. Gradually pour in the half-and-half, mixing until smooth. Stir in the feta cheese, lemon juice, remaining dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
- Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Mix until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Spoon the Greek Pasta with Chicken into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute linguine with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- For a different protein choice, use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- If desired, swap feta cheese with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
- Add or replace vegetables with your favorites like zucchini or bell peppers.
