If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors yet comes together in a flash, this Simple Chicken Feta Pasta for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, golden chicken bites mingling with tangy feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a bright squeeze of lemon juice. It’s comfort food with a fresh twist, quick enough to whip up on a busy evening but satisfying enough to feel like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, making the dish both flavorful and colorful without any fuss. The beauty lies in its simplicity—fresh, wholesome components that come together to create a harmonious bite every time.
- 8 ounces Pasta (Penne or fusilli): These shapes hold onto the sauce wonderfully and provide a hearty base.
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces): Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious seasonings.
- 4 ounces Feta Cheese (Crumbled): Adds a creamy, tangy kick that brightens the dish beautifully.
- 3-4 cloves Garlic (Minced): Infuses the meal with a warm, aromatic depth.
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin): The foundation for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach: Brings vibrant green color and a subtle earthiness, plus a healthy touch.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved): Burst of sweetness and juiciness that balances the savory elements.
- 1/2 lemon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed): Gives the entire dish a zesty, fresh finish.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper (Freshly cracked): Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
How to Make Simple Chicken Feta Pasta for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your penne or fusilli pasta. Cook it just until al dente—this ensures your pasta holds up perfectly without getting mushy when tossed with the other ingredients. It usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining as it will help create the perfect creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is beautifully golden on the outside and cooked through. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the dish, so getting that golden sear is key.
Step 3: Add Aromatic Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute until it releases its fragrance. This little addition wakes up the whole pan, layering in a warm, inviting aroma that gently infuses all the other ingredients.
Step 4: Soften the Cherry Tomatoes
Add your halved cherry tomatoes next, cooking them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juicy sweetness. The tomatoes add a natural tang and a pop of color that makes the dish as pretty as it is tasty.
Step 5: Wilt the Fresh Spinach
Next, stir in the fresh spinach and cook just long enough, about 2 to 3 minutes, for it to wilt gently. This brings a lovely green freshness to the pasta and boosts its nutritional value without taking away from the rich flavors.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Ingredients
Drain your pasta, remembering to keep that reserved pasta water, and add it straight into the skillet with your chicken and veggies. The hot pasta starts to soak up all those vibrant flavors immediately.
Step 7: Add Feta and Adjust the Sauce
Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and gently toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water little by little to create a luscious, slightly creamy sauce. The feta melts into all the nooks and crannies, creating that signature tangy richness.
Step 8: Brighten with Lemon and Final Seasoning
Finish the dish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the pasta and giving it a final toss. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta warm, and savor the delightful balance of flavors shining through in every bite.
How to Serve Simple Chicken Feta Pasta for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your meal by adding a handful of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top to bring a fragrant, fresh finish. A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving also adds a silky gloss and extra richness.
Side Dishes
This pasta is quite a star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread can round out the meal perfectly. The salad adds a refreshing crunch, while garlic bread provides a comforting carbo-happiness that complements the tangy feta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in individual small bowls garnished with a wedge of lemon for squeezing at the table. You could also sprinkle extra feta and cracked black pepper on top right before serving to highlight the flavors even more vividly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and marry together beautifully if you let it sit overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well, though fresh spinach can change texture a bit. Freeze in portions inside freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave with a splash of water or olive oil to restore the creamy texture. Stir occasionally until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and fusilli hold the sauce nicely, feel free to substitute with spaghetti, rotini, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely yes. It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly, making it an ideal candidate for preparing meals ahead of busy days.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, try shrimp, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything stays tender and flavorful.
How can I make this dish creamier?
Adding reserved pasta water carefully while tossing the ingredients creates a natural creaminess. You could also stir in a splash of cream or Greek yogurt if you want an extra indulgent texture.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach? Can I use frozen?
Frozen spinach can work in a pinch. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to keep the dish from becoming watery.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Chicken Feta Pasta for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe is a true lifesaver when you want something delicious, wholesome, and speedy. Its combination of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and easy preparation makes it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become one of your favorite quick dinners to share with friends and family.
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Simple Chicken Feta Pasta for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Simple Chicken Feta Pasta is a flavorful and quick weeknight dinner that combines tender sautéed chicken, tangy feta cheese, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed with pasta and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces Penne or Fusilli pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Oils
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Seasonings and Extras
- 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release some juices.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it wilts down.
- Combine Pasta and Liquid: Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta well. Add the pasta to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables.
- Add Feta and Toss: Add the crumbled feta cheese to the skillet and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce.
- Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Squeeze freshly squeezed lemon juice over the pasta, adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps create a creamy sauce without extra cream.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor brightness at the end.
- Feta cheese adds saltiness, so adjust additional salt accordingly.
- Chicken can be substituted with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Spinach can be replaced with kale for a heartier green.
