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
Scale
- 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
