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Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.3 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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