If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting dinner that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, this Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe is absolutely where you want to be. Tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta come together in a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to angel hair pasta and fresh spinach. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s not only stunning on the plate but also an effortless treat to prepare, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are simple pantry and fridge staples, each bringing something special to the final dish—from bright acidity and creamy richness to herbal punch and delightful texture. Gathering them ahead will make your cooking flow as smoothly as the sauce.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: The star protein, sliced thin and marinated to stay juicy and flavorful.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Packs a zesty, peppery kick that brightens the chicken beautifully.
- Greek salad dressing: Adds savory herbs and tang that marry perfectly with the Mediterranean profile.
- Chicken broth and chicken bouillon cube: Create a rich base for your luscious sauce.
- Half and half: Brings creamy silkiness that balances the acidity from tomatoes and lemon.
- Avocado oil or olive oil: For searing chicken and building layers of flavor.
- Dry white wine: Adds depth and a subtle fruity note during sauce reduction.
- Butter: Enhances richness and gives the sauce a velvety finish.
- Garlic: A must-have aromatic that infuses warmth and aroma.
- Angel hair pasta: Cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully without overwhelming the dish.
- Baby spinach: Adds fresh, vibrant green color and a healthy touch to the pasta.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts that add freshness and pop of color.
- Kalamata olives: Bring in briny, tangy notes that complement the creamy feta.
- Lemon juice: Finishes the dish with a bright, sunny lift.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for tangy creaminess and just the right hint of saltiness.
How to Make Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and quickly. Pound them gently until about half an inch thick — this tenderizes the meat and helps absorb the marinade. Season generously with lemon pepper seasoning, then pop the chicken into a bag with two-thirds of your Greek dressing and let it soak up the flavors for 20 minutes at room temperature. This step builds the foundation for that distinctive Mediterranean zing.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce Base Ingredients
While the chicken marinates, combine the chicken broth, chicken bouillon cube, half and half, and the remaining Greek salad dressing in a large measuring cup with a spout. Having these measured and ready allows you to focus on cooking without interruption, which will help everything to come together perfectly in the skillet.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your oil in a deep, large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, discarding leftover marinade, and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until you get a golden crust and the chicken cooks through. Removing and resting the chicken before slicing ensures juicy strips that won’t dry out in the pasta.
Step 4: Build the Sauce with Wine and Garlic
After removing the chicken, gently pour the white wine into the same skillet and reduce it by half. Scrape the browned bits off the bottom — these are packed with flavor and essential for a rich sauce. Next, toss in butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. This simple step layers the sauce with buttery and garlicky goodness that makes the whole dish sing.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce
Add your broth and half and half mixture to the skillet and bring it to a boil. Stir in the angel hair pasta, then maintain a gentle boil while tossing every few minutes. Angel hair cooks quickly and soaking up the broth and cream mixture means every strand is infused with flavor. This technique also means less cleanup, making it a true one-pot delight.
Step 6: Add Fresh Veggies and Chicken
Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Cook just a minute more to soften the spinach without losing its vibrant color. Finally, add the sliced chicken back in along with fresh lemon juice, gently mixing to heat everything through and brighten the overall dish with citrus notes.
Step 7: Stir in Creamy Feta and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and fold in the crumbled feta cheese. It will melt slightly but hold onto some of its characteristic crumbly texture, complementing the dish’s creaminess with tangy saltiness. Let the pasta rest a few minutes for the sauce to thicken naturally, then get ready to dig in.
How to Serve Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil leaves adds a herbaceous burst and vivid green pop, making the dish even more inviting. A light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a few more crumbles of feta can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This pasta is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re feeling extra hospitable, a simple Greek salad with cucumbers, red onions, and a lemony dressing pairs beautifully. Crispy pita chips or warm garlic bread are also excellent to soak up every last forkful of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe in shallow bowls for a cozy feel or family-style in the skillet it was cooked in for a rustic, casual vibe. Wrapping the pasta around a fork tightly before plating creates lovely swirls that highlight the silky sauce and colorful vegetables—delighting both eyes and taste buds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but to maintain the best texture, freeze before adding the spinach and feta. Keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh spinach and feta when reheating to keep things fresh and vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly without drying out the chicken or pasta. Add a handful of fresh spinach and a little extra feta on top right before serving to revive the fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta works great because it cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if you prefer a sturdier pasta shape. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. You can use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and perhaps add some extra feta or a plant-based protein to keep it satisfying and flavorful.
What if I don’t have white wine?
If you’d rather skip the wine, no worries. Simply use more chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a teaspoon of vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth that wine brings to the sauce.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking in the sauce?
Using a deep skillet and stirring or tossing frequently with tongs helps prevent sticking. Make sure to keep the heat at a gentle boil rather than a rolling boil, which can cause sticking or uneven cooking.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance and measure out your broth and dairy mixture beforehand. This setup makes the cooking process quicker, especially on busy evenings.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves fast, flavorful meals filled with fresh ingredients and vibrant colors. It’s a beautiful balance of creamy, tangy, and savory notes in a dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. I truly hope you give it a whirl—you might just find a new favorite to add to your weeknight rotation!
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Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Pasta is 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 skillet with a luscious sauce made from chicken broth, half and half, white wine, and Greek salad dressing, this dish combines bold Mediterranean flavors with an easy, streamlined cooking method perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Seasoning
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 cup Greek salad dressing (divided into 2/3 cup and 1/3 cup)
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- ¾ cup half and half
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (can substitute olive oil)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Pasta and Vegetables
- ½ lb. angel hair pasta
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Place between sheets of saran wrap and use a meat tenderizer to pound each piece to about ½-inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a gallon freezer bag and add 2/3 cup of Greek salad dressing. Seal the bag removing as much air as possible and marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture and Ingredients: While the chicken marinates, combine chicken broth, chicken bouillon cube, half and half, and the remaining 1/3 cup Greek salad dressing in a large measuring cup with a spout. Measure out all remaining ingredients to have everything ready before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, discard the marinade, and add the chicken to the skillet. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and let rest for 10 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Deglaze the Pan: Dab excess oil from the skillet, add the white wine and reduce heat to medium. Using a silicone spatula, scrape the bottom and sides of the skillet to release flavorful bits, allowing the wine to reduce by nearly half, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Garlic and Add Liquid: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and half and half mixture prepared earlier.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the angel hair pasta. Return to a gentle boil and cook for 3 minutes, tossing the pasta frequently with tongs to prevent sticking.
- Add Vegetables and Chicken: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives, cooking for 1 additional minute. Reduce heat to low, add sliced chicken strips and lemon juice. Stir well to combine and heat through gently.
- Finish with Feta Cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in feta cheese, which will soften slightly but retain some texture. The sauce and pasta will thicken as the dish stands. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using a meat tenderizer ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Marinating the chicken with Greek salad dressing enhances the Mediterranean flavor.
- Dry white wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce but can be omitted if preferred.
- Angel hair pasta cooks quickly; keep an eye and toss during cooking to avoid sticking.
- Feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish but can be substituted with goat cheese if desired.
