Description
This Mediterranean Pasta is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal featuring tender lemon pepper chicken, angel hair pasta, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese all cooked in a savory garlic and lemon sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Ingredients
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 chicken broth + 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for sauce)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (additional)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ lb. angel hair pasta
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- ¾ cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create two thinner pieces each. Cover with plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer to pound each piece until about ½-inch thick. Pat the chicken dry completely and season each side evenly with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces into a gallon freezer bag. Add 2/3 cup of the Greek salad dressing into the bag, seal it tightly removing excess air, and marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare Sauce Liquids: While the chicken marinates, combine 2 ¼ cups chicken broth, ½ chicken bouillon cube, ¾ cup half and half, and the remaining 1/3 cup Greek salad dressing in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside the ½ cup chicken broth mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice separately.
- Sear Chicken: Heat avocado or olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from marinade and discard the marinade. Add chicken to the hot oil and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the chicken develops a golden crust and is cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Deglaze Skillet: Carefully dab away excess oil from the skillet using paper towels. Add the reserved ½ cup chicken broth and lemon juice mixture to the skillet, stirring with a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pan. Let the liquid reduce slightly for about 3 minutes to concentrate flavor.
- Cook Garlic and Add Liquids: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the large volume chicken broth, bouillon, half and half, and Greek dressing mixture prepared earlier.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the angel hair pasta. Maintain a gentle boil, using kitchen tongs to toss the pasta frequently to prevent sticking, and cook for 3 minutes until pasta is nearly tender.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Cook for 1 additional minute; the pasta will absorb some liquid, but there will still be sauce present.
- Add Chicken and Lemon Juice: Reduce heat to low, add the sliced chicken strips back to the skillet along with 3 tablespoons lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and warm the chicken through.
- Add Feta Cheese and Serve: Finally, stir in the crumbled feta cheese. It will slightly melt yet retain some texture, enriching the sauce and pasta. Remove skillet from heat; the sauce will continue to thicken as it stands. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- The lemon pepper seasoning complements the tangy Greek dressing and feta, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.
- Using angel hair pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully, keeping the dish light and fresh.
- Be sure to toss the pasta frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender when sliced.
- You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil based on preference.
- The dish can be served with a side of crusty bread or a simple Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean