Chicken Feta Pasta is a delicious and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken with creamy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and farfalle pasta. The dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, thanks to fresh basil, spinach, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers both comfort and nutrition in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich & Creamy – The feta cheese melts into a luscious, tangy sauce.
- Protein-Packed – Chicken adds a satisfying and hearty element.
- Healthy & Fresh – Packed with spinach, tomatoes, and herbs for a nutritious boost.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil farfalle pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season & Cook the Chicken – In a bowl, coat chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and slice into strips.
- Prepare the Sauce – In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté over medium heat until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Add Feta & Spinach – Stir in crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, dried oregano, and lemon juice. Cook until the feta begins to melt, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the pan. Pour in reserved pasta water to create a smooth consistency, then toss everything together.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
Variations
- Make it Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat.
- Swap the Pasta – Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for dietary preferences.
- Add More Vegetables – Try mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option – Replace feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Herb Variations – Swap basil for parsley or cilantro for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as feta and tomatoes can change texture when frozen.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and provide extra juiciness.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or ricotta can be used for a milder flavor, or try parmesan for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken or replace it with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based protein.
How can I make this pasta creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a richer sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and reheat everything before serving.
What other pasta shapes work well?
Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli will hold the sauce nicely if farfalle is unavailable.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Do not overcook it, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes will add a more intense flavor—just chop them finely before adding.
What pairs well with this dish?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great accompaniments.
Conclusion
Chicken Feta Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, tangy feta, and fresh veggies, this dish delivers a delicious balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this Mediterranean-inspired pasta is sure to become a favorite!
O
Print
Chicken Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful, one-pan pasta dish featuring juicy, seasoned chicken, creamy feta cheese, and burst cherry tomatoes tossed with farfalle pasta and fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights while bringing bold Mediterranean flavors to your table!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil farfalle pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then set pasta aside.
- Season & Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, coat chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and slice into strips.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Add Feta & Spinach: Stir in crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, dried oregano, and lemon juice. Let cook for a few minutes until the feta starts to melt and blend with the tomatoes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the pan. Pour in the reserved pasta water and mix well to create a creamy consistency. Stir everything together until fully combined.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian twist.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian-Inspired
