When you want to transport your taste buds straight to the Greek islands, this Greek Chicken Pasta delivers all the vibrant Mediterranean flavors you crave in one satisfying dish. This colorful pasta combines tender, herb-marinated chicken with sun-drenched vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with a bright lemon-herb sauce. The combination of fresh herbs, Mediterranean vegetables, and quality olive oil creates a dish that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special, or impressive enough for entertaining guests who appreciate the fresh, clean flavors of Greek cuisine.
Serves: 6 people
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Greek chicken:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. The herbs and lemon will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with Mediterranean flavors.
Cooking the Perfect Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. The pasta should have a slight bite to it since it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the other ingredients.
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as you may need it to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Searing the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces along with any remaining marinade. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the chicken should have a nice caramelized exterior while remaining juicy inside. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sautéing the Mediterranean Vegetables
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
Add the bell peppers and zucchini to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized around the edges.
Adding the Tomatoes and Olives
Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cherry tomatoes just begin to soften and release their juices.
The vegetables should be colorful and vibrant, with each component maintaining its distinct texture and flavor.
Creating the Fresh Herb Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. This simple sauce will bring all the flavors together with its bright, clean taste.
Add the chopped dill, parsley, and oregano to the oil mixture. The fresh herbs should be vibrant green and fragrant, providing the authentic Greek flavor profile.
Bringing Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained pasta and pour the herb sauce over everything.
Toss gently to combine all ingredients, adding pasta water a little at a time if needed to create a light coating that helps everything stick together.
Final Seasoning and Cheese
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The dish should be bright, flavorful, and well-balanced between the herbs, lemon, and vegetables.
Remove from heat and gently fold in most of the crumbled feta cheese, reserving some for garnish. The feta will add creamy tanginess and authentic Greek flavor.
Beautiful Presentation
Transfer the Greek chicken pasta to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Top with the remaining crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color.
Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the cheese is just beginning to soften from the heat of the dish.
Perfect Mediterranean Pairings
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple Greek salad, warm pita bread, or roasted vegetables. The fresh, bright flavors complement other Mediterranean dishes beautifully.
For wine, choose a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red like Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the delicate herb flavors.
Make-Ahead and Storage
While best served fresh, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
The marinated chicken can be prepared up to a day ahead, making weeknight preparation even easier.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and olives, and plenty of vitamins from the fresh vegetables and herbs. The Mediterranean diet principles make this both delicious and nutritious.
Seasonal Variations
In summer, add fresh cucumber and extra tomatoes. In fall, try roasted eggplant or butternut squash. The base recipe is flexible enough to accommodate whatever fresh vegetables are in season.
Customization Ideas
For extra protein, add white beans or chickpeas. For more richness, include a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds for crunch.
You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp, lamb, or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables.
This Greek Chicken Pasta brings the sunny, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and transportive, making any evening feel like a vacation in Greece.
