Chicken Feta Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Feta Pasta is everything you need in a meal – simple, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. The chicken is seared to perfection, and when combined with the juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese, the result is a dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s also customizable to your preferences. You can easily swap in different veggies or cheeses, and it can be made dairy-free or gluten-free to suit dietary needs. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight, and makes for delicious leftovers!

Ingredients

• 8 oz farfalle bow-tie pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1.5 lb skinless, boneless chicken tenderloins (or sliced skinless, boneless thighs or breasts)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 8 oz grape tomatoes (2 colors: red and yellow), sliced in half

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped

• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 6 oz crumbled feta cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook pasta:
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Cook chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning to ensure both sides are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook veggies:
   In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

4. Assemble the dish:
   Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and spinach. Stir in the lemon juice and crumbled feta cheese. Heat everything on medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring to combine. If desired, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for added richness.

5. Finish:
   Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet, gently reheating everything together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use vegan feta cheese to make this dish dairy-free.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the bow tie pasta for gluten-free pasta.

• Additional Veggies: Add bell peppers, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, or arugula for more flavor and nutrients.

• Cheese Alternatives: Swap feta with grated Parmesan or fresh Mozzarella cheese for different textures and flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: This dish is freezer-friendly! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: When reheating, use a pan on the stovetop or a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of olive oil and a touch of water to prevent the pasta from sticking, stirring occasionally to heat through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for tenderloins or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the breasts.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti would work well.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time, and then combine everything when ready to serve. It’s also perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

5. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.

6. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This Chicken Feta Pasta makes great leftovers and can be stored in the fridge or frozen for future meals.

7. Can I use sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe?

Yes, sun-dried tomatoes would be a delicious addition. Simply chop them and add them to the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes.

8. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking when reheating?

Add a small amount of olive oil and a little water when reheating, and stir often to keep the pasta from sticking together.

9. What can I serve with Chicken Feta Pasta?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Chicken Feta Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that delivers a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and pasta. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep, and its Mediterranean flavors will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for your family or storing leftovers for later, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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