Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Incorporates staples of the Mediterranean diet, including tomatoes, spinach, and olive oil.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different types of pasta or additional vegetables.
- Flavorful: The combination of feta cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a rich and savory taste.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 10 oz bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
- 10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the bow-tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let them rest before slicing into strips.
- Sauté the Tomatoes and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the fresh spinach into the skillet, stirring until it wilts.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Gently toss to combine all components.
- Add Feta and Lemon Juice: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the mixture and drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir until the feta begins to melt slightly, creating a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Pasta Choices: Use other short-cut pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate ingredients such as asparagus, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts to enhance the dish.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
FAQs
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and consider adding more vegetables or plant-based protein sources like chickpeas or tofu.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or ricotta salata can be used as alternatives, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time and combine them just before serving. Store cooked ingredients separately in the refrigerator.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal due to their sweetness and size, but diced Roma or plum tomatoes can also be used.
How can I add a spicy kick to the dish?
Incorporate red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper when sautéing the garlic and tomatoes.
Is whole wheat pasta suitable for this recipe?
Absolutely, whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content of the meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve alongside this pasta?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions and avoid overcooking during reheating.
Print
Chicken Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Feta Pasta is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken, bow-tie pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy feta cheese. This easy 30-minute meal is packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 10 oz bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
- 10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil bow-tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Coat chicken thighs with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Sauté Tomatoes & Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic until softened.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine Ingredients: Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently.
- Finish with Feta & Lemon: Sprinkle crumbled feta and drizzle with lemon juice, stirring until slightly creamy.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Protein Alternatives: Try shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Pasta Choices: Use penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cheese Substitute: Swap feta with goat cheese or ricotta salata.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
