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If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting meal that captures the sunshine flavors of the Mediterranean without spending hours in the kitchen, then you simply have to try this Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta with Chicken, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe. It’s a delightful, hearty dish where tender, lemon-peppered chicken melds beautifully with zesty tomatoes, briny olives, fresh spinach, and creamy feta—all cooked together in one luscious pot for an easy cleanup and maximum flavor. This recipe packs a colorful, wholesome punch that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for busy weeknights or dinner with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta with Chicken, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from the bright tang of lemon pepper seasoning to the silky richness of half and half, crafting layers of texture, color, and taste that transform a straightforward pasta dish into something unforgettable.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (1 ÂĽ lbs.): Pounded thin for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Lemon pepper seasoning (3 tsp): Infuses the chicken with bright, zesty flavor that wakes up the plate.
- Greek salad dressing (1 cup, divided): Adds Mediterranean herbs and a savory tang that ties everything together.
- Chicken broth (2 ÂĽ cups): The comforting, savory base that cooks the pasta and enriches the sauce.
- Chicken bouillon cube (½ cube): Boosts the broth’s depth for a richer flavor.
- Half and half (Âľ cup): Creates a creamy texture without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Avocado oil (2 tbsp): For searing the chicken to a golden perfection—can swap with olive oil.
- Dry white wine (½ cup): Adds subtle fruity acidity and complexity to the sauce.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Enriches the sauce with silky smoothness and a touch of indulgence.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers an aromatic boost that complements the whole dish.
- Angel hair pasta (½ lb): Cooks quickly and soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly.
- Baby spinach (3 cups, packed): Adds a fresh, green vibrancy and nutrition.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Bring juicy bursts of sweetness and color.
- Kalamata olives (½ cup): Introduce a salty, briny tang that’s iconic to Mediterranean flavors.
- Lemon juice (3 tbsp): Brightens and balances the creaminess with fresh acidity.
- Feta cheese (Âľ cup): Crumbled on top for a tangy, creamy finish that melts just slightly into the pasta.
How to Make Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta with Chicken, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
First things first, slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you get thinner cutlets that cook evenly and fast. I love pounding them gently to about half an inch thickness—it’s a game changer for tender, juicy chicken. After drying the chicken thoroughly, season both sides generously with lemon pepper seasoning. This little step ensures the chicken really sings with flavor from the get-go.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pop your chicken into a gallon-sized freezer bag with 2/3 cup of Greek salad dressing and seal it up, making sure to squeeze out any air. Let those flavors mingle at room temperature for 20 minutes. This simple marinade adds herby, tangy notes that will infuse the chicken while keeping it moist and delicious.
Step 3: Mix Your Cooking Liquid
While the chicken marinates, combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, half and half, and the remaining 1/3 cup of Greek dressing in a large measuring cup with a spout. Having this ready will make adding liquids smooth and mess-free once you start cooking, which I find really helpful to keep things moving along.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your avocado oil (or olive oil if you prefer) in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, set it aside to rest for about 10 minutes—this rest time keeps it juicy—and then slice into strips.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan with Wine
Now, pour the white wine into the skillet and set the heat to medium. Grab a silicone spatula and gently scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to lift all those delicious browned bits—this is where flavor magic happens. Let the wine reduce by almost half, roughly 3 minutes. This step creates a rich, aromatic base for your sauce.
Step 6: Build the Sauce
Add butter and minced garlic to the pan, cooking gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and silky. Then, pour in your chicken broth and half and half mixture from earlier. This combination forms a luscious, creamy sauce that bathes the pasta and veggies beautifully.
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
Bring the liquid to a rolling boil and stir in the angel hair pasta. Keep the heat to a gentle boil, cooking it for 3 minutes. Use kitchen tongs often to toss and stir the pasta, preventing any sticking while ensuring it absorbs all the flavorful sauce.
Step 8: Add the Vegetables and Chicken
Stir in the baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives, combining everything nicely. Cook for about a minute so the greens wilt and the tomatoes soften just slightly. Turn the heat down low before adding the sliced chicken strips and lemon juice. Stir everything together and warm through so the flavors meld in perfect harmony.
Step 9: Finish with Feta
Finally, sprinkle in the feta cheese and gently fold it through the pasta. The feta will soften just a little but still retain some pleasant texture, adding its signature tang and creaminess that finishes off this Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta with Chicken, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe with style. Remove from heat and get ready to serve!
How to Serve Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta with Chicken, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil elevate this dish with a pop of color and herbal freshness. A sprinkle of extra crumbled feta on top amps up the cheesy goodness and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a silky sheen and fruity notes that feel luxurious.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean feast pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm crusty bread for dipping or a crisp, refreshing cucumber and red onion salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. Roasted lemon potatoes also offer a hearty accompaniment that complements the vibrant pasta flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting dinner party, serve the pasta family-style in a rustic, wide shallow bowl so everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, you can plate it individually with a lemon wedge on the side and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant touch that showcases the dish’s bright Mediterranean character.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta with Chicken, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinners. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best taste and freshness.
Freezing
While the pasta texture is at its best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to minimize drying out. Keep in mind that the spinach and feta texture might soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water as needed to loosen up the sauce and prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works well too—cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to keep the creaminess intact without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta works great because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce nicely, you can swap in linguine, penne, or fusilli if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it cooks al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and increase the vegetables or add plant-based protein like chickpeas or grilled tofu. The rich sauce and bold flavors will still make it a satisfying vegetarian meal.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand?
No worries. You can replace the white wine with an equal amount of extra chicken broth or water with a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to keep that bright acidity.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it to save time on the cooking day. However, it’s best to cook and combine everything fresh for that creamy, saucy texture that makes this dish shine.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mild and flavorful rather than spicy. The lemon pepper seasoning adds zest and subtle warmth without heat, making it perfect for all palates. You can always add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a one-pot meal that tastes as vibrant and indulgent as this Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta with Chicken, Feta, and Vegetables Recipe. It’s a heartwarming blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that you can whip up with ease any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how effortlessly this dish brings Mediterranean sunshine to your table. Trust me, it’ll become one of your favorites in no time!
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Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta with Chicken, Feta, and Vegetables 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 offers a flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender lemon pepper chicken, angel hair pasta, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. Cooked in a deep skillet, the dish combines seared chicken with a reduction sauce made from white wine, garlic, and a rich chicken broth and half-and-half mixture, delivering a perfect balance of tangy and savory Mediterranean flavors in about 45 minutes total.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ÂĽ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 cup Greek salad dressing (divided)
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 ÂĽ cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- Âľ cup half and half
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (can substitute olive oil)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ lb. angel hair pasta
Vegetables and Toppings
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Âľ cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make two thinner pieces each. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound each to about ½-inch thickness. Pat dry and season both sides evenly with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a gallon freezer bag with 2/3 cup of the Greek salad dressing. Remove excess air from the bag, seal, and let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Broth Mixture and Ingredients: While marinating, combine chicken broth, chicken bouillon cube, half and half, and the remaining 1/3 cup Greek dressing in a large measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring. Measure out all remaining ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and discard the leftover marinade. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Deglaze the Pan: Remove excess oil from the skillet by dabbing with a paper towel. Pour in the ½ cup white wine and reduce heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and clean the bottom and sides of the skillet, incorporating all flavorful bits into the sauce. Reduce the wine by nearly half, about 3 minutes.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic, cooking them together for 2 minutes until fragrant and the butter is melted.
- Add Broth Mixture and Pasta: Pour the chicken broth and half-and-half mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta, bring back to a gentle boil, and cook for 3 minutes. Use kitchen tongs throughout to toss the pasta and prevent it from sticking.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Cook for an additional 1 minute while stirring. The sauce will still be quite liquidy.
- Finish with Chicken and Lemon Juice: Reduce heat to low, add the sliced chicken and 3 tablespoons lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and gently heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Add Feta Cheese and Serve: Stir in Âľ cup feta cheese. It will soften slightly but retain some texture, enriching the sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately. The pasta and sauce will thicken as it stands.
Notes
- Lemon pepper seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; fresh lemon zest can enhance the flavor.
- Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce but can be substituted with additional chicken broth if preferred.
- Avocado oil offers a high smoke point, but olive oil is a suitable substitute.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aromatic effect.
- This dish is best served immediately for ideal texture, but leftovers thicken and can be gently reheated with a splash of broth.
