Save to Pinterest Experience a refreshing taste of the Mediterranean with this Greek Chicken Pasta Bowl. This vibrant dish combines tender, zesty lemon-marinated chicken with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the creamy richness of crumbled feta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, it brings together bold Greek flavors in one satisfying bowl.
Save to Pinterest What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
The secret to this dish lies in the simple yet effective marinade that infuses the chicken with garlic and oregano, while the homemade red wine vinegar dressing ties the pasta and vegetables together for a cohesive, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini).
- Vegetables & Add-ins: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup cucumber (diced), 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced), 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced), 100 g (3.5 oz) feta cheese (crumbled), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped).
- Dressing: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice thinly.
- Step 4: Combine Vegetables
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion.
- Step 5: Whisk the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Top with sliced chicken, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley. Gently toss again or serve chicken on top.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To prevent the pasta from becoming gummy, ensure you rinse it thoroughly with cold water immediately after draining. This stops the cooking process and keeps the salad light. Using a grill pan will give your chicken those appetizing char marks and a smoky depth of flavor.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a seafood version, swap the chicken for grilled shrimp. You can increase your veggie intake by adding baby spinach or arugula. For those with dietary preferences, whole grain or gluten-free pasta works beautifully in this recipe.
Serviervorschläge
This pasta bowl is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Greek white wine to complement the feta and lemon notes.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are serving this for a sunny lunch or a quick family dinner, this Greek Chicken Pasta Bowl is sure to become a staple in your Mediterranean recipe collection. Enjoy the fresh, bold flavors!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. Cook the pasta and chicken in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and combine with fresh vegetables and dressing up to 2 hours before eating for the best flavor and texture.
- → What pasta shape works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini work wonderfully as they hold the dressing and vegetables well. Any short pasta that catches the vinaigrette will work. Avoid long noodles as they can be harder to toss evenly with all the ingredients.
- → How do I keep the chicken tender and moist?
Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 15 minutes before cooking to infuse them with lemon and garlic flavors. Avoid overcooking by checking doneness at 6-7 minutes per side, and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely. Grilled shrimp, white fish, or chickpeas are excellent alternatives. Shrimp cooks quickly in 2-3 minutes per side, while chickpeas should be tossed with the same lemon-garlic marinade for extra flavor. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on your protein choice.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Greek white wine complements the fresh Mediterranean flavors beautifully. The acidity in these wines cuts through the richness of the feta and olive oil while enhancing the lemon and herb notes in the dish.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store the pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate as well. When ready to eat, reheat gently and add fresh parsley and feta before serving to maintain the freshness and texture.
