Description
This creamy chicken pasta with feta and spinach is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes come together in a rich, savory sauce with crumbled feta, creating a meal that’s both comforting and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to combine.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the pasta and add red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese when mixing everything together.
- Swap feta for goat cheese if you prefer a milder, creamier taste.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
- For a protein boost, use whole wheat pasta or add a handful of toasted pine nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Mediterranean pasta, feta cheese pasta, easy dinner recipes, stovetop pasta, healthy chicken pasta