Save Tender chicken, tangy feta, and bright lemon come together in a creamy yogurt sauce with spinach and pasta—all cooked in one skillet for a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dinner. This Greek Chicken Feta Pasta Skillet is a perfect main dish that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, offering a wholesome meal with 35g of protein per serving.
Save This recipe is ideal for those following a Mediterranean diet, combining fresh vegetables like baby spinach and red onion with lean poultry and healthy olive oil. The total time of 40 minutes means you can have a gourmet-style meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Dairy: 4 oz (115 g) feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- Vegetables: 3 cups (90 g) fresh baby spinach; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Pantry & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried dill (optional); 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and dill. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, add the red onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Step 4
- Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Step 5
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cooked pasta, chicken, lemon zest and juice, and chicken broth. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Step 6
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the Greek yogurt and crumbled feta until a creamy sauce forms. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Step 7
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Always remember to reserve some pasta water before draining; the starchy water is essential for emulsifying the Greek yogurt and chicken broth into a smooth, velvety sauce. To prevent the yogurt from curdling, ensure the skillet is removed from the direct heat before folding it in.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra flavor, you can add a handful of chopped Kalamata olives or sundried tomatoes to the mix. If you prefer a different leafy green, substitute arugula for the spinach. This recipe also works well with whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta varieties depending on your dietary preferences.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish immediately while warm to enjoy the creamiest consistency. It pairs beautifully with a light side salad or crusty bread. For a final touch, garnish with an extra sprinkle of lemon zest and red pepper flakes for heat.
Save This Greek Chicken Feta Pasta Skillet is a delicious way to enjoy classic Mediterranean ingredients in a modern, easy-to-make format. With 495 calories and 16g of total fat per serving, it is a balanced choice for a nutritious dinner.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan feta cheese. The sauce consistency may vary slightly, but the Mediterranean flavors will still shine through.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta varieties like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal because they catch the creamy sauce and hold up well when tossed with the chicken and vegetables.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy sauce consistency.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts make excellent additions. Add them when sautéing the onions so they cook through properly.
- → Is the sauce supposed to be thick or thin?
The sauce should coat the pasta generously. If too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra richness. Adjust cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure they're fully cooked through.