Imagine the comforting aroma of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs mingling with tender chicken and creamy pasta all in one pot. This Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe is not only a breeze to make but brings a sun-soaked Mediterranean vibe right to your dinner table. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a go-to weeknight favorite.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe ticks all the boxes for busy cooks and flavor lovers alike. It’s packed with bright, fresh ingredients and requires minimal cleanup, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- One-Pot Convenience: You cook everything in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
- Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of kalamata olives, feta cheese, lemon, and spinach really makes the dish pop with authentic taste.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can swap out veggies or add your favorites, making it flexible for what you have on hand.
- Quick and Satisfying: Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners that feel fancy but aren’t stressful.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe come together to create a balance of creaminess, tanginess, and vibrant freshness. Each one plays a part in layering flavor while keeping things simple to prep and cook.
- Chicken breast: Lean and versatile, it soaks up the marinade and cooks quickly when pounded to an even thickness.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Adds a bright citrusy kick with just the right amount of spice.
- Greek salad dressing: The secret sauce that brings depth and creaminess.
- Chicken broth and bouillon: A flavorful base that infuses the pasta as it cooks.
- Half and half: Gives the sauce a silky richness without being too heavy.
- Avocado (or olive) oil: Great for searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity note.
- Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity; Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully here.
- Butter and garlic: Classic aromatic duo that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Angel hair pasta: Cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious sauce.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy note and lovely color.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that complement the salty olives and feta.
- Kalamata olives: Their briny pop is essential for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens every bite and balances the richness.
- Feta cheese: Crumbly, tangy, and creamy, it melts slightly into the sauce for the perfect finish.
Make It Your Way
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood, and it always turns out delicious.
- Variation: When I want a bit more tang, I swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes—it adds a deeper, richer flavor that’s fantastic.
- Dietary swaps: For a lighter version, I sometimes use half the half-and-half and add more lemon juice, which keeps things creamy but adds brightness.
- Vegetable boost: Throwing in red onions, artichokes, or chickpeas when adding the spinach makes it more vibrant and filling.
- Wine-free option: If wine’s not on your list, just increase the chicken broth slightly and don’t worry—you’ll still get great flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate Your Chicken
I like to slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get thinner cutlets – it helps them cook faster and stay juicy. Then I cover each piece with plastic wrap and gently pound until about half an inch thick. Pat them dry before seasoning both sides with lemon pepper for a lively, zesty punch. Pop them in a bag with two-thirds of your Greek dressing and let them marinate for 20 minutes at room temp. This step lets those flavors really soak in, making the chicken tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Golden Goodness
Heat your avocado or olive oil in a deep, 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (discard any leftover marinade) and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side. You want a golden crust but cooked through inside. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes—this helps keep it juicy when you slice it later. While it’s resting, prep the rest of your ingredients to keep things moving.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Carefully pour out excess oil from the skillet, then add the white wine. Use a silicone spatula to scrape all those tasty brown bits off the pan—this technique adds a ton of flavor to your sauce. Let the wine reduce by about half, which will take roughly 3 minutes. Next, toss in butter and minced garlic, cooking everything for 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add your chicken broth, bouillon, half and half, and the remaining Greek dressing mixture. Bring it all to a simmer, and you’re ready to cook your pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Add Veggies
Drop the angel hair pasta into the gently boiling sauce, then keep it on a gentle boil for 3 minutes. Use kitchen tongs to toss continuously, so the pasta doesn’t stick and absorbs that luscious sauce evenly. Next, stir in fresh baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and salty kalamata olives, letting them cook together for about a minute. The tomatoes soften just right, and the spinach wilts into the mix—creating vibrant color and texture.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Lemon, and Feta
Reduce the heat to low, slice your rested chicken into strips, and fold it into the pasta along with fresh lemon juice. This adds a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness. Finally, crumble in the feta cheese and gently stir it through—the cheese slightly melts but keeps a bit of creaminess and tang that makes every bite irresistible. Remove from heat and serve right away while it’s warm and inviting.
Top Tip
This Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes where a few simple techniques make all the difference. From pounding the chicken to evenly cooking the pasta in the sauce, these tips helped me nail the perfect balance every time.
- Marinate at Room Temperature: Letting the chicken marinate outside the fridge for 20 minutes really boosts the flavors and helps with even cooking.
- Use a Silicone Spatula for Deglazing: I learned that scraping those browned bits off the skillet adds unbeatable depth to the sauce—don’t skip this!
- Continuous Tossing for Pasta: Angel hair cooks very fast, so toss constantly to prevent sticking and make sure each noodle soaks up the sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It brightens up the whole dish and balances the creaminess—fresh is best here, I always reach for a real lemon.
How to Serve Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a bit more crumbled feta on top along with some freshly chopped parsley or basil for color and herbaceousness. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of good olive oil and an extra grind of black pepper. These small touches really highlight the Mediterranean mediterranean vibe and make the plate pop visually.
Side Dishes
Since the pasta is fairly rich, I like pairing it with a crisp, simple Greek salad or some crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce. Roasted or grilled veggies like zucchini or eggplant also complement the flavors nicely without overwhelming the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a lemon wedge and a small handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. It adds a beautiful texture contrast and makes the meal feel extra thoughtful and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they’re good for up to three days. The flavors deepen nicely overnight, so I find it’s even better the next day for lunch. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce.
Freezing
I usually avoid freezing this one because the spinach and tomatoes don’t maintain their texture well. But if you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the chicken separately before combining it with freshly cooked pasta later.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too but stirring midway helps keep the pasta from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! While angel hair pasta works best because of its quick cooking time, you can use spaghetti or linguine. Just remember these take longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time. Make adjustments as detailed in the notes section of the recipe.
No problem—just replace the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth. The sauce will still be delicious, just a bit milder in flavor.
To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and increase the veggies—e.g., add more spinach, tomatoes, artichokes, and chickpeas. You can also add plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh marinated in lemon pepper and Greek dressing to mimic the flavor profile.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water, stirring frequently. This keeps the pasta moist and the sauce creamy, preventing dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite dishes to share with friends and family. The balance of lemony brightness, creamy sauce, and salty tang is like a little vacation on a plate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s a reliable, no-fuss recipe with big flavors that tastes way more special than the effort it takes!
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Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Mediterranean Pasta One Pot recipe combines tender chicken breast with a creamy, flavorful sauce, fresh baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Cooked all in one skillet, this easy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 cup Greek salad dressing, divided
Liquid Mixture
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- ¾ cup half and half
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 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
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create two thinner slices per breast. Cover with plastic wrap and pound each side with a meat tenderizer until about ½-inch thick. Pat dry completely and season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in a gallon freezer bag with ⅔ cup of the Greek salad dressing. Seal the bag, removing air, and marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Liquid Mixture and Ingredients: While the chicken marinates, combine chicken broth, chicken bouillon cube, half and half, and remaining ⅓ cup Greek dressing in a large measuring cup with a spout. Measure out remaining ingredients to have ready.
- Sear Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard leftover marinade. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 10 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Deglaze Skillet: Dab excess oil from skillet, then add white wine over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and clean the bottom and sides of the skillet. Reduce the wine by nearly half, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Garlic and Butter: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and half and half mixture. Bring to a boil, then add angel hair pasta. Return to gentle boil and cook for 3 minutes, using kitchen tongs frequently to toss pasta and prevent sticking.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Cook for 1 more minute, leaving some liquid in the skillet.
- Add Chicken and Lemon Juice: Reduce heat to low, add the cooked chicken strips and lemon juice. Stir well and heat through.
- Add Feta Cheese and Serve: Stir in the feta cheese so it melts slightly, maintaining some texture. The sauce will thicken upon standing. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Redmond Real Salt lemon pepper seasoning for best flavor or adjust seasoning amount with other brands.
- Sauvignon Blanc wine is preferred; chicken broth can substitute if avoiding alcohol.
- Homemade Greek dressing enhances taste but store-bought alternatives work fine.
- Do not omit kalamata olives; they add essential salty, briny flavor. If omitted, add extra salt to the sauce.
- Fresh minced garlic cloves and fresh lemon juice provide superior flavor compared to jarred or bottled alternatives.
- You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes for more depth of flavor.
- Additional mix-ins like red onions, canned artichokes, and chickpeas can be added with the spinach.
- Spaghetti can be used instead of angel hair, but requires an extra ½ cup chicken broth, ½ cup half and half, and 3 tablespoons more Greek dressing, with longer cooking time of 8-12 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days; reheats well.
- Adjust liquid and cooking times for high altitude cooking if necessary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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