Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

why make this recipe

Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that brings vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. This recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, creamy feta cheese, and colorful vegetables all cooked together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. The fragrant spices and fresh ingredients come together beautifully, making it perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan recipe that cuts down on the clean-up, allowing you to savor your delicious creation even more.

how to make Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

Ingredients:

4 chicken thighs
1.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp pepper
1.5 tsp chili powder
1.5 tsp paprika
6 tbsp olive oil
0.75 cup onion (chopped)
1 red pepper (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
1 serrano pepper (chopped)
6 cloves garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
1 lemon (zest and juice)
1 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp dried thyme
0.5 tsp dried oregano
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.5 cup white wine
8 oz feta cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes
0.5 cup kalamata olives (pitted and sliced in half)
8 oz bowtie pasta
0.5 cup pasta water
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a separate pot, start cooking the pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions say. This makes sure it’s al dente when mixed with the sauce. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
Prepare the chicken by making 6 shallow cuts into the skin of each thigh, which helps the seasonings soak in. Mix the salt, pepper, chili powder, and paprika in a small bowl, then rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get it into the slits. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 20 minutes while you chop your vegetables.
Heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet. Sear it for 3 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, then take it out and set it on a plate. This step adds delicious flavor.
In the same skillet, with the remaining oil, add the diced onion and red pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and chopped serrano pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine and scrape off any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, cumin, thyme, oregano, and chicken broth. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors together.
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, placing it in the vegetable mix. Scatter the feta cheese chunks around the chicken, then add the cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives evenly in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (it should reach 165°F at the thickest part).
Once done, carefully move the chicken to a clean plate. Use the back of a wooden spoon to mash the feta and cooked veggies in the skillet gently, creating a creamy sauce base without over-mashing. Stir in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, mixing gently until everything is well-coated.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it back into the pasta. Bake for an additional 5 minutes to warm everything through and let the flavors mingle. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

how to serve Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta hot directly from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

how to store Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.

tips to make Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for a few hours before cooking.
You can use any type of pasta you prefer if bowtie pasta is not available.
Do not overcook the pasta initially; it should be al dente to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.

variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or artichokes. You can also replace the feta cheese with a dairy-free option.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work perfectly as they will cook more quickly. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with this dish?
This dish goes well with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.