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If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe. It’s a symphony of bright, fresh flavors with tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and the perfect hint of lemon pepper seasoning all mingling in a creamy, luscious sauce. Best of all, it’s a true one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze while packing a serious punch of Mediterranean flair and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe calls for simple yet stellar ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with texture, color, and flavor. Each component is carefully chosen to add depth, freshness, or creaminess to this divine pasta experience.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender and lean, it soaks up the lemon pepper seasoning beautifully for a juicy protein foundation.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Adds a zesty kick and aromatic brightness to the chicken.
- Greek salad dressing: A secret weapon to infuse the chicken and sauce with savory tanginess and herbs.
- Chicken broth and bouillon cube: Build a flavorful base with robust richness for the sauce.
- Half and half: Creamy and smooth, it makes the sauce irresistibly luscious without being too heavy.
- Avocado oil (or olive oil): For sautéing, providing a subtle fruity flavor and perfect frying medium.
- Dry white wine: Brightens the sauce with acidity while helping to lift all the savory flavors.
- Butter: Adds silkiness and rounds out the sauce with a touch of richness.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with its irresistible aromatic warmth.
- Angel hair pasta: Light and tender, it soaks up the sauce perfectly without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Baby spinach: Adds a pop of vibrant green and subtle earthiness, boosting nutrition and freshness.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Burst with sweet juiciness and color, balancing the creamy sauce.
- Kalamata olives: Introduce a lovely salty tang and texture contrast.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with refreshing citrus notes.
- Feta cheese: The crowning touch, giving each forkful that iconic creamy, slightly crumbly, briny finish.
How to Make Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound each piece until it’s about half an inch thick—this helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender. Pat the pieces dry, then generously season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning. Next, place the chicken in a freezer bag with two-thirds of the Greek salad dressing and let them marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes. This simple step infuses the chicken with a lively herbal tang that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Broth Mixture
While the chicken is getting saucy, combine your chicken broth, the chicken bouillon cube, half and half, and the remaining third of your Greek dressing in a large measuring cup or bowl. This mixture forms the creamy, flavorful base of your pasta sauce—the heart and soul of the Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat the avocado or olive oil in a deep, 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, discarding any leftover marinade from the bag. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes to retain its juices, then slice it into juicy strips ready to join the pasta later.
Step 4: Build the Sauce and Toss the Pasta
Remove excess oil from the skillet with a paper towel, then pour in the white wine. Turn the heat down to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up all those delicious golden bits stuck to the pan—that’s pure flavor magic. Let the wine reduce by almost half, about 3 minutes, before stirring in butter and garlic. Sauté the garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant, then pour in the broth and half-and-half mixture. Bring it all to a boil; this is where the sauce starts transforming into a luscious cloak for the pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta with Fresh Veggies
Nestle your angel hair pasta right into the bubbling sauce. Keep the heat at a gentle boil and let the pasta cook for about 3 minutes. Use kitchen tongs often to toss the pasta, ensuring it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
Step 6: Add Spinach, Tomatoes, Olives, and Chicken
Once the pasta is nearly tender, stir in the baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives, mixing everything together and cooking for another minute. The spinach will wilt gently while the tomatoes soften, adding freshness and vibrant pops of color. Reduce heat to low and fold the sliced chicken back in with a generous splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten all those Mediterranean flavors.
Step 7: Finish with Feta and Serve
Sprinkle in the feta cheese, stirring it into the warm pasta so it melts slightly but still holds onto its creamy, crumbly texture. The sauce will thicken a bit as it rests, wrapping the pasta and chicken in a tangy, savory hug. Remove from heat and plate this delicious Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe to enjoy immediately.
How to Serve Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even more, sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley or oregano for added herbal freshness and color contrast. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds richness and shine, while a crack of fresh black pepper brightens every bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light Mediterranean sides such as a crisp cucumber and red onion salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or warm garlic pita bread to scoop up any leftover sauce. A simple serving of roasted vegetables also complements the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with whole cherry tomatoes and large crumbles of feta for visual appeal. You can also arrange the sliced chicken fan-style over the pasta and scatter olives for decorative bursts of color and texture. Offering lemon wedges on the side invites everyone to personalize their citrus zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s rare!), store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully after resting, but spinach and pasta texture may soften slightly.
Freezing
This Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe freezes well but with a small caveat—the creamy sauce can separate a bit upon thawing. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps restore creaminess and prevents the pasta from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is perfect for this recipe’s delicate sauce, feel free to swap in spaghetti, linguine, or even penne—the cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the texture.
Is this dish spicy?
Nope! This Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe has bright and savory flavors without heat. If you love spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a gentle kick.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?
You can, but fresh spinach leaves are typically larger and tougher, so consider roughly chopping them and adding a minute or two earlier to give them time to wilt fully.
Do I have to use feta cheese?
The feta adds a classic tangy creaminess unique to Mediterranean cuisine, but if you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even fresh ricotta can be interesting alternatives—just note the flavor and texture will differ.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the half and half with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk, and replace butter with olive or avocado oil. Omit the feta or choose a vegan cheese alternative.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough making this Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe your new weeknight favorite. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade yet special, impresses without stress, and makes your kitchen smell irresistible. Give it a whirl and savor every spoonful—you might just find yourself coming back to this beautiful blend of flavors time and time again.
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Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Pasta recipe is a vibrant one-pot dish featuring tender chicken breast, angel hair pasta, fresh baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all cooked together in a flavorful lemon pepper and Greek dressing-infused sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a wholesome dinner, it combines bright Mediterranean flavors with a creamy texture, delivering a satisfying and colorful meal for six.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 cup Greek salad dressing (divided)
Broth and Sauce Mixture
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- ¾ cup half and half
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (can substitute olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Vegetables
- ½ lb. angel hair pasta
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Place between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until about ½-inch thick. Pat the chicken dry completely and season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in a gallon-sized freezer bag along with 2/3 cup of the Greek salad dressing. Remove excess air and seal tightly. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: While the chicken marinates, in a large measuring cup, combine the chicken broth, chicken bouillon cube, half and half, and the remaining 1/3 cup of Greek dressing. Stir to combine. Measure out remaining ingredients for cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts, discarding excess marinade. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Remove excess oil from the skillet by dabbing with paper towel. Pour in the white wine and set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen browned bits from the bottom and sides of the skillet. Let the wine reduce by nearly half, approximately 3 minutes, to concentrate flavor.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Liquid: Stir in the butter and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Then pour in the prepared chicken broth and half and half mixture.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the liquid to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and return to a gentle boil. Cook the pasta for about 3 minutes, frequently tossing with kitchen tongs to prevent it from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Combine: Stir in the baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Cook for an additional 1 minute. There will still be excess liquid at this stage. Reduce heat to low, add the sliced chicken strips and lemon juice. Stir everything together and warm through.
- Finish with Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the feta cheese over the pasta and gently stir to incorporate. The feta will soften slightly, adding a creamy texture without fully melting. The sauce will thicken as it stands. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Lemon pepper seasoning can be made by combining lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, and garlic powder for a fresh flavor boost.
- Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a balanced acidity.
- Half and half adds creaminess, but whole milk can be substituted for a lighter option.
- Angel hair pasta cooks quickly; keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
- For a dairy-free version, omit feta and substitute half and half with a plant-based cream alternative.
