Grecian Pasta & Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Greece to your dinner table. This one-pan meal combines tender pieces of chicken with al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and fresh spinach, all simmered in a fragrant garlic and herb-infused sauce. Topped with crumbled feta cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon, this dish is both light and satisfying, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. The combination of savory chicken, rich feta, and the bright flavors of lemon and herbs makes this skillet dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the pasta and reduce the heat to medium.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Vegetables and Chicken:
- Once the pasta is cooked, add the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh spinach to the skillet.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Finish the Dish:
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the pasta and chicken, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot.
Enjoy your Grecian Pasta & Chicken Skillet with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. The combination of Mediterranean flavors and the convenience of a one-pan meal makes this dish a delicious and easy option for any night of the week!
