Name: Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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, diced; 1 red pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 serrano pepper, minced; 6 cloves garlic, freshly minced; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 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, crumbled; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 0.5 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half; 8 oz bowtie pasta; 0.5 cup reserved pasta water; Fresh parsley for garnish

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why make this recipe

Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the comfort of pasta. It’s an easy recipe that brings together juicy chicken thighs, creamy feta cheese, and fresh vegetables. The vibrant flavors from lemon, garlic, and herbs will make your taste buds dance. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or when hosting guests.

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, diced
1 red pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 serrano pepper, minced
6 cloves garlic, freshly minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
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, crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half
8 oz bowtie pasta
0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats, cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Save 0.5 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
Prepare the chicken by making 6 shallow slits in the skin of each thigh. This helps the seasonings soak in. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, chili powder, and paprika, then rub this mixture over the chicken, focusing on the slits. Let the chicken sit for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken skin-side down and sear for 3 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red pepper, cooking for 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and serrano pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, cumin, dried thyme, dried oregano, and chicken broth. Allow to simmer for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet and scatter feta cheese chunks around it. Add the cherry tomatoes and olives evenly throughout the pan. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully place the chicken thighs on a clean plate. Using the back of a wooden spoon, gently mash the feta and cooked vegetables in the pan to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the pasta and reserved pasta water until well combined.
Nestle the chicken back into the pasta and bake for another 5 minutes to warm everything through. Garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

Serve Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta hot, straight from the pan. You can offer extra fresh parsley on the side to sprinkle on top. This dish pairs well with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

how to store Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

Store any leftover Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or olive oil to keep it moist.

tips to make Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the spices for a few hours before cooking.
You can use other types of pasta if you prefer! Penne or fusilli are great options.
Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant for added nutrition.

variation

You can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Just sauté them until golden brown before adding to the skillet with the vegetables.

FAQs

1. Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Yes, you can try goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor and texture.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time and reheat portions throughout the week.

3. Can I freeze Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Feta Pasta?
Yes, it freezes well. Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.