Fresh, Zesty Mediterranean Comfort
This Greek chicken pasta is a bright, flavorful dish that brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your table. Tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese come together with perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying yet refreshing meal. The lemony garlic dressing adds a vibrant touch that makes every bite feel light and delicious. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or casual dinners with family and friends. Best of all, this simple pasta recipe comes together quickly using everyday ingredients while delivering bold, restaurant-style flavor in every forkful.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
📝 Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken
Pat the diced chicken dry. Season with oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
4. Add garlic and tomatoes
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Combine the pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
6. Add fresh ingredients
Stir in the cucumber, olives, feta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley.
7. Serve and enjoy
Toss everything gently until combined and serve warm. Garnish with extra feta and parsley if desired 🍋🍝
💡 Pro Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds the sauce better.
- Use fresh lemon: It brightens the entire dish and balances the savory ingredients.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Extra creaminess: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a creamy twist.
🌿 Variations
1. Creamy Greek Chicken Pasta
Add ¼ cup Greek yogurt or cream to the pasta for a richer texture.
2. Mediterranean Veggie Pasta
Skip the chicken and add spinach, roasted red peppers, and artichokes.
3. Spicy Greek Pasta
Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes for a subtle kick.
4. Greek Chicken Orzo
Swap regular pasta for orzo for a lighter Mediterranean-style dish.
❓ FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Simply shred cooked chicken and add it when combining the pasta.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowties works best because it holds the toppings well.
Can I serve this cold?
Absolutely. It also works great as a Greek pasta salad when chilled.
How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.