Pin Bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with this Greek Chicken Feta Pasta Skillet. This wholesome meal combines tender browned chicken with a silky, creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and crumbled feta, all brightened by fresh lemon and baby spinach. It's a flavorful dinner that feels sophisticated yet is easy enough to prepare in a single skillet on a busy weeknight.
Pin The secret to this dish is the way the feta cheese and Greek yogurt melt together to coat every piece of short pasta. By sautéing the chicken with oregano and dill first, you build a savory base that carries through the entire meal, while the red onion and garlic provide a sweet and aromatic depth.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Dairy: 4 oz (115 g) feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt
- Vegetables: 3 cups (90 g) fresh baby spinach; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Pantry & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried dill (optional); 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and dill. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3
- In the same skillet, add the red onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Step 4
- Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Step 5
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cooked pasta, chicken, lemon zest and juice, and chicken broth. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Step 6
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the Greek yogurt and crumbled feta until a creamy sauce forms. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Step 7
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, have all your tools ready, including a zester for the lemon and a colander for the pasta. Using a large skillet is crucial to allow enough room for the chicken to brown properly and for the spinach to wilt quickly without steaming. Be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it for maximum flavor efficiency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile dish can be customized to suit your preferences. For extra Mediterranean flair, add a handful of chopped Kalamata olives or sundried tomatoes during the final toss. If you prefer a bit of a peppery bite, substitute the baby spinach with fresh arugula. For different dietary needs, this recipe works excellently with whole-wheat or gluten-free short pasta.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this pasta skillet immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest and the feta is just beginning to soften. It is best enjoyed family-style, straight from the skillet, perhaps with a side of crusty bread to dip into the lemon-yogurt sauce. For those who enjoy heat, a final sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes provides a lovely contrast to the tangy dairy.
Pin With its balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and bright citrus, the Greek Chicken Feta Pasta Skillet is a nutritious and satisfying meal that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your home kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity of this easy, flavorful one-pan dinner!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and may stay more tender during cooking. Adjust cooking time to ensure thighs reach 165°F internally.
- → What pasta shapes work best for this skillet?
Short pasta varieties like penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle capture the creamy sauce well. Their shapes hold onto the yogurt-based sauce in every bite.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
The dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy. Reheating may cause the yogurt to separate. If meal prepping, store components separately and combine before serving.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative to feta and Greek yogurt?
Vegan feta alternatives and dairy-free yogurt can be substituted, though the sauce texture may vary. Coconut yogurt works but will add a slight coconut flavor.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this skillet?
Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can be sautéed with the onion. Artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers also complement the Mediterranean flavors.
- → Why should I remove the skillet from heat before adding yogurt?
High heat can cause Greek yogurt to curdle or separate. Removing the pan from heat allows the sauce to become creamy while maintaining a smooth texture.