Print

Mediterranean Chicken Pasta with Feta, Tomatoes, and Spinach Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews

This Mediterranean Pasta recipe features tender lemon pepper chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce with white wine, garlic, and Greek flavors. Tossed with angel hair pasta, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese, it creates a vibrant and satisfying dish inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 cup Greek salad dressing (divided)

Liquid 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
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Produce

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 cups packed baby spinach
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)

Pantry

  • ½ lb. angel hair pasta
  • ½ cup kalamata olives
  • ¾ cup feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create two thinner pieces. Place between sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer until about ½-inch thick. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with lemon pepper seasoning.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in a gallon freezer bag along with 2/3 cup of the Greek salad dressing. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
  3. Mix Sauce Ingredients: While the chicken marinates, combine chicken broth, crushed chicken bouillon cube, half and half, and the remaining 1/3 cup Greek salad dressing in a large measuring cup with a spout. This mixture will be added later to create the sauce.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat avocado (or olive) oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade) and sear each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for 10 minutes; then slice into smaller strips.
  5. Deglaze the Skillet: Remove excess oil by dabbing the skillet lightly. Pour in the white wine and reduce heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and release any browned bits from the bottom and sides of the skillet. Allow the wine to reduce by about half, approximately 3 minutes, concentrating the flavor.
  6. Add Butter and Garlic: Stir in the butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and softened without browning.
  7. Add Broth Mixture and Boil Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and half and half mixture and bring it to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta directly to the boiling liquid. Bring back to a gentle boil and cook pasta for 3 minutes, using kitchen tongs to toss frequently to prevent sticking.
  8. Add Vegetables and Combine: Stir in the baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. There will still be plenty of liquid at this point.
  9. Finish with Chicken and Lemon Juice: Reduce heat to low and add the sliced chicken strips along with fresh lemon juice. Stir to combine and warm the chicken through gently.
  10. Incorporate Feta Cheese: Add the crumbled feta cheese and stir slightly—it will soften and melt a little, lending a creamy tang to the sauce while still retaining some texture. Remove the skillet from heat; the sauce will continue to thicken as it stands. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Lemon pepper seasoning can be homemade by mixing lemon zest, cracked black pepper, salt, and garlic powder if preferred.
  • Dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for deglazing and flavor.
  • Make sure to pound the chicken thinly for quick and even cooking.
  • If you prefer, substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
  • Leftover sauce thickens as it rests; add a splash of broth if needing to loosen before serving.

Keywords: Mediterranean pasta, lemon pepper chicken, creamy pasta with spinach, feta cheese pasta, angel hair pasta recipe

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/mediterranean-chicken-pasta-with-feta-tomatoes-and-spinach-recipe/