In the bustling rhythm of daily life, finding a meal that is both quick to prepare and a joy to eat can feel like a culinary treasure hunt. Lucky for you, the search ends here with a recipe that promises to be a new favorite in your kitchen: Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta. This dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for any season. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious meal that is as nourishing as it is flavorful.
The Magic Blend of Ingredients
Before we embark on the cooking journey, let’s gather our culinary treasures:
- Pasta: 8 ounces of your choice, uncooked. The pasta serves as a canvas for the flavors of the dish.
- Chicken Breasts: 2, cut into bite-size pieces. These provide a lean source of protein.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking the chicken and bringing out the flavors of the herbs.
- Seasonings: Dried oregano and garlic powder, each 1/4 teaspoon, to marinate the chicken.
- Liquid Gold: 1/3 cup chicken broth, mixed with 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon lemon juice for a tangy sauce.
- Tomatoes: A 10 and 1/2 ounce container of little tomatoes (think grape or cherry), halved, adding a burst of freshness.
- Green Goodness: 1 and 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach, packing in the vitamins.
- Feta Cheese: 3 and 1/2 ounces, cubed and soaked in oil and herbs, introducing a creamy tanginess.
- Finishing Touches: Optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and freshly grated parmesan cheese for a touch of indulgence.
Culinary Adventure: How to Make Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta
- Pasta Prep: Begin your culinary journey by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions, setting the stage for the delicious ensemble to come.
- Sauté Chicken: In a skillet, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful and juicy.
- Create the Sauce: After removing the chicken from the skillet, add the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the same skillet. Let it simmer for a minute to blend the flavors, forming the base of your sauce.
- Add Tomatoes: Toss in the halved tomatoes and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. The tomatoes should soften slightly, enriching the sauce with their sweet and tangy essence.
- Combine All: Return the chicken to the pan, mixing it into the sauce. Then, stir in the spinach and feta cheese until the spinach has wilted and the feta begins to melt, weaving a tapestry of flavors.
- Final Touches: Combine the skillet mixture with the al dente pasta, ensuring every strand is coated in the sauce and mixed with the chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and feta. For those who enjoy a bit of spice or extra cheesiness, sprinkle over some red pepper flakes and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Ready to Serve!
In just 25 minutes, you have transformed simple ingredients into a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. The Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta is a testament to the beauty of combining wholesome ingredients with a touch of culinary creativity.
Each serving, perfect for a family of four, is not only a delight to the palate but also a nutritious choice, packing approximately 454 kcal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.
Embrace the joy of cooking with this simple yet sublime dish, and may every bite bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Happy cooking!
Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta
Ingredients:
8 ounces uncooked pasta
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 (10 and 1/2 ounce) container little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), halved
1 and 1/2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
3 and 1/2 ounces feta cheese (cubed and packed in oil and herbs)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta al dente as per package instructions.
In a skillet, cook chicken with olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder on medium-high for 5-7 minutes.
Remove chicken; add broth, mustard, and lemon juice to skillet. Simmer for a minute.
Add tomatoes; cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Return chicken to pan.
Stir in spinach and feta until spinach wilts. Combine with pasta and serve. Optional: Add red pepper flakes and parmesan.
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cooking Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 25 mins
Kcal: 454 kcal | Servings: 4 servings