Craving a mouthwatering Mediterranean escape without leaving your kitchen? Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed culinary adventure with this irresistible Skillet Mediterranean Chicken Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese – all tossed together in one spectacular skillet. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of sliced chicken breast, 8 oz of pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of pitted and sliced olives, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt and the 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened and slightly blistered.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomatoes and olives.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine, allowing the flavors to meld. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a little more pasta water as needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Gently toss to combine.
- Serve the Skillet Mediterranean Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with additional feta if desired. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean meal!
Tips
- • For the most flavorful chicken, pat the meat dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden browning. • Don't overcook the chicken – aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it juicy and tender. • Reserve pasta water before draining, as its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together. • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile. • Feel free to customize by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra burst of freshness. • If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. • For a gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
