Looking for a quick and tasty dinner solution? Try this Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta recipe. It features delicious chicken breast and a zesty tomato sauce. This Greek-inspired dish is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s healthy too, offering lean protein and essential vitamins. You’ll soon make this flavorful pasta a regular at your dinner table!
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Prep and cook time combined is only 25 minutes.
- Serves 4, making it ideal for family dinners.
- Rich in protein with 29g per serving.
- Contains key vitamins, including 142% of your daily value of Vitamin A.
- Includes healthy fats with a total of 12g per serving.
- Incorporates flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Dish
To make a great Mediterranean Chicken Pasta, having the right ingredients is key. This dish combines fresh vegetables, pantry items, and optional toppings. Below is everything you’ll need for this recipe.
Fresh Ingredients
- 3-4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1-2 cups of grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup of seedless cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup of Kalamata olives (or other olives of choice)
- Fresh oregano, basil, or parsley for seasoning
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
Pantry Staples
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth or chicken bouillon
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- Spices: allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper
- Gluten-free penne pasta
Optional Garnishes
- Dried mizithra cheese or pecorino cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Pickled red onions
- Capers
- Chickpeas, arugula, or pine nuts for added texture
Gather these ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Pasta, and you’re set. A delicious and quick meal is surely ahead.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta journey with careful preparation. This guide will help you understand every step. You will learn tips to make the cooking process smoother. And you’ll see how to blend all the flavors perfectly.
Preparing the Chicken
First, slice the chicken breasts in half to cook them evenly. Season them well with salt, pepper, and herbs. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, flipping it once. It should be golden brown and fully cooked. Juicy chicken is key to the dish’s flavor.
Cooking the Pasta
Boil salted water in another pot and add pasta. Whole wheat is a healthy choice. Cook it until it’s al dente, following the package’s directions, about 10-12 minutes.
Add chicken broth in the last few minutes for extra flavor. Remember to save a cup of pasta water. It will help adjust the sauce’s thickness later.
Combining Ingredients
While the pasta cooks, go back to your skillet. Add onions and garlic to the chicken. Cook them for 2 minutes until you can smell them. Then, put in sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Pour in a bit of the pasta water you saved. Stir everything well. This lets the flavors come together.
Finish by adding feta cheese and baby spinach. Stir until the spinach is just wilted. This will ensure every bite is delicious. You’ll love how everything in your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta works together.
| Ingredient | Percentage of Total Recipe |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat pasta | 12.5% |
| Chicken sausage | 12.5% |
| Onion | 2.5% |
| Garlic | 1.25% |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 5% |
| Mushrooms | 10% |
| Chicken broth | 15% |
| Feta cheese | 6.25% |
| Baby spinach | 6.25% |
Tips for Perfecting Your Mediterranean Pasta
To make the best Mediterranean Chicken Pasta, keep these tips in mind. They’ll improve your dish’s taste and texture. This makes it great for any event.
Choosing the Right Pasta
Picking the right pasta is key. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and more nutrients. It’s richer in fiber and protein than regular pasta. Spaghetti works well, but Greek hilopites add a special touch.
Cooking Chicken to Juiciness
Watch the chicken’s cooking time to avoid dryness. It should reach 165°F to be juicy and safe. Using high-quality olive oil, like Italian Nocellara or Greek Early Harvest, makes the chicken tastier.
Enhancing Flavor with Herbs
Fresh herbs are essential in Mediterranean cooking. Adding chopped parsley and basil lifts the dish and adds flavor. These tips don’t just enhance taste but also improve how the dish looks.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Pasta | 6 oz | Higher fiber and protein |
| Grape Tomatoes | 2 cups | Rich in vitamins A and C |
| Artichoke Hearts | 1 can (14 oz) | High in fiber; adds texture |
| Black Olives | 1 can (6 oz) | Source of healthy fats |
| Olive Oil | 3 tbsp | Rich in heart-healthy fats |
| Lemon Juice | ¼ cup | Adds brightness and acidity |
| Parmesan Cheese | ¼ cup | Enhances savory flavor |
| Fresh Parsley | ¼ cup | Provides freshness and color |
Serving Suggestions for the Dish
Enjoying Mediterranean Chicken Pasta offers delightful sides and perfect drink choices. These suggestions will make your meal even better. They bring out the best flavors.
Best Accompaniments
Pair your Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta with fresh sides. They’ll match its bright flavors. Here are some ideas:
- Classic Greek Salad: With tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta, this salad adds a crisp touch.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: It’s light and refreshing. A dash of olive oil and vinegar makes it taste great.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, it’s perfect for scooping up leftover sauce.
Perfect Wine Pairings
Choosing the right wine can boost your meal’s taste. For an Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta, try these wines:
- Crisp White Wine: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio brightens the dish’s flavors.
- Light Red Wine: A Pinot Noir or Chianti can add a gentle fruity touch without dominating.
Variations on the Recipe
If you want to tweak your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta, lots of tasty options are out there, especially if you have specific eating habits. For a veggie twist, swap chicken for roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You could even toss in chickpeas for more protein and fiber. Doing this adds beautiful colors and a mix of tastes to your meal.
Vegetarian Options
Need a gluten-free version? Try pasta made from rice or quinoa. It’s an easy change that lets you enjoy Mediterranean zest while sticking to your diet. Gluten-free pasta is cooked in the same way, ensuring you don’t miss out on that perfect pasta texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
Thinking about adding seafood? Shrimp or scallops can create a fantastic seafood version of your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta. Just cook them with garlic or toss into the pasta toward the end of its cooking time. This idea introduces a fresh flavor twist and makes your dish even more impressive. With these changes, your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta will never be boring. It’s simple to mix things up and delight your taste buds.
Conclusion
Mediterranean chicken pasta is a delightful mix of bold flavors and simple ingredients. It’s perfect for any meal plan.
It’s great for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering. The dish has tender chicken, colorful veggies, and Mediterranean flavors like olives and feta. It’s fresh and satisfying.
Now, it’s time to make this Mediterranean chicken pasta in your kitchen!
Customize the recipe to your liking. Avoid common mistakes and make it your own. Pair it with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
We’d love to hear your feedback! Try the recipe and share your thoughts. Let’s inspire others to enjoy this Mediterranean favorite.
FAQ
You can make this Easy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy evenings.
Key ingredients include chicken breasts, onions, and garlic. Other important items are tomatoes, olive oil, and both tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Don’t forget the dried pasta. For an extra touch, add optional garnishes like dry mizithra cheese or fresh parsley.
Yes, for a vegetarian option, try roasted vegetables or chickpeas instead of chicken. For those avoiding gluten, opt for gluten-free pasta.
For authentic flavor, choose spaghetti, penne, or Greek hilopites. The type of pasta you pick can really change the dish’s flavor and make it more enjoyable.
Keep an eye on cooking times and use a meat thermometer. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy chicken.
Pair the dish with a classic Greek salad or a cucumber and tomato salad. These sides add a refreshing taste.
Choose a crisp white wine or a light red wine. Either choice will enhance your meal and the overall dining experience.
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