Greek Chicken Pasta with Feta, Lemon, and Herbs
If you love big Mediterranean flavor but don’t want a fussy dinner, this Greek chicken pasta is the answer. Think tender chicken, briny olives, juicy tomatoes, and a punch of lemon—all tossed with pasta and finished with feta for that salty, creamy crumble that makes every bite pop. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-y but comes together like a true weeknight staple.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to when I want something fresh but still comforting. The lemon and herbs keep it bright, the feta adds richness without needing a heavy cream sauce, and it’s endlessly flexible—swap greens, change the pasta shape, or add whatever veggie is hanging out in your fridge. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that somehow tastes even better once everything has mingled for a few minutes.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 3 cups baby spinach (or chopped kale)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or dill—highly recommended)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Optional: 2–4 tbsp reserved pasta water (to loosen and gloss the sauce)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work great if you don’t overcook them.
- No spinach? Try arugula (stir in at the end), kale (needs a couple extra minutes), or even chopped zucchini.
- Not into olives? Swap in capers for a similar briny kick.
- Want it creamier? Add an extra handful of feta and a splash of pasta water to make a light, tangy coating.
- Add crunch: A quick sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds is amazing.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite GF pasta; just reserve a little more pasta water.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain. - Season and cook the chicken.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate. - Build the flavor base.
Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Stir in garlic (and red pepper flakes if using) for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add tomatoes and olives.
Toss in cherry tomatoes and olives. Cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release juices. - Wilt the greens.
Add spinach and stir until just wilted, about 1 minute. - Bring it all together.
Add drained pasta and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss well. If it looks a bit dry, add 2–4 tbsp reserved pasta water until it turns glossy and nicely coated. - Finish with feta and herbs.
Remove from heat and fold in crumbled feta and fresh parsley (or dill). Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon.
Tips for Success
- Salt your pasta water well—it’s the foundation of flavor in any pasta dish.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Bite-size pieces cook fast; pull them once they’re just done.
- Use pasta water like a sauce tool. A splash turns everything silky and helps the feta cling.
- Add feta off the heat. It stays creamy and crumbly instead of melting into nothing.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Greek chicken pasta is a full meal on its own, but it’s even better with a couple simple sides:
- A crisp green salad or cucumber-tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Warm pita or garlic bread for scooping
- A fun starter like This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests (sweet-salty cheese lovers, trust me)
For a bright drink pairing, serve it with This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days—the lemony notes play perfectly with the feta and herbs.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimates will vary by brand and portion size.
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: ~700mg
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen.
- Make it lunch-friendly: This is excellent eaten warm or room temp—kind of like a pasta salad situation.
- Freezing: Not my first choice because feta and pasta texture can change, but it’s doable. Freeze up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re into easy chicken dinners and comfort-food pasta vibes, here are a few more to bookmark next:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo in Sight)
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
Final Thoughts
This Greek chicken pasta is proof that “quick dinner” doesn’t have to mean boring. It’s bright, salty, herby, and satisfying—and once you make it once, you’ll start riffing on it constantly (add artichokes, swap in shrimp, toss in roasted peppers… you get the idea).
If you try it, tell me how you customized yours—and if you want more Mediterranean-style weeknight dinners, follow along for the next one.
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