Pin Bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with this Greek Chicken Feta Pasta Skillet. This high-protein, one-pan meal combines tender lemon-marinated chicken with creamy Greek yogurt, wilted spinach, and tangy feta cheese for a dinner that is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Pin Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is a fantastic solution for those seeking a balanced meal without spending hours at the stove. The combination of short pasta and bite-sized chicken ensures that every forkful is packed with texture and flavor.
Ingredients
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- Chicken & Marinade: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, 2 tbsp olive oil, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Pasta & Sauce: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (penne or fusilli), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small red onion (finely chopped), 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach, 120 g (4 oz) crumbled feta cheese, 180 ml (¾ cup) plain Greek yogurt, 120 ml (½ cup) reserved pasta cooking water, ½ tsp dried dill (optional), freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish: Lemon wedges and fresh chopped parsley.
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
- Step 2
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 3
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4
- In the same skillet, add chopped red onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Step 5
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Step 6
- Return the chicken to the pan. Lower the heat to medium-low.
- Step 7
- Stir in cooked pasta, crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Toss until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Step 8
- Season with black pepper and dill (if using). Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Step 9
- Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a smooth and creamy sauce, always reserve a portion of the starchy pasta water before draining. Lowering the skillet temperature before adding the Greek yogurt is essential to prevent the sauce from curdling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor, stir in a handful of pitted Kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also substitute chicken breasts with thighs for added juiciness, or use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
Serviervorschläge
Present this dish directly in the skillet for a rustic feel, garnished generously with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges for squeezing. This pasta pairs exceptionally well with a crisp, chilled Greek white wine like Assyrtiko.
Pin 
Pin This Greek Chicken Feta Pasta Skillet is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a meal that is both comforting and sophisticated. Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean feast!
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work beautifully as they catch the creamy yogurt sauce and hold up well when tossed with the chicken and vegetables.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they're cooked through completely.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 10 minutes, but up to 1 hour yields deeper flavor penetration from the lemon, garlic, and oregano mixture.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore the creamy sauce consistency.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or extra fresh herbs like mint or basil enhance the Mediterranean profile beautifully.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan feta. The result remains creamy and satisfying.
