One Pot Greek Lemon Chicken Pasta
Try this One Pot Greek Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe.
Try this One Pot Greek Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe.
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup red onion minced
- 1 pound dry pasta i used fusilli pasta
- 3 – 3 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 8 oz feta cheese crumbled (plus more for garnish)
- 1 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
- i lemon zested and juiced
- basil shredded (optional)
- Carbohydrate 36.2388711509759 g
- Cholesterol 546.447179175866 mg
- Fat 96.4442707349764 g
- Fiber 6.4758001162263 g
- Protein 142.665318907523 g
- Saturated Fat 51.9512514944521 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1492g)
- Sodium 3552.60547380872 mg
- Sugar 29.7630710347496 g
- Trans Fat 5.97921540495773 g
- Calories 1589 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet (at least 5 quarts) over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned on all sides; about 5 minutes.
- Add in the garlic, red onion, olives, and continue to cook for 1 minute.
- Add the pasta and chicken stock, making sure there is enough stock to just cover the pasta. (If not, add a bit more chicken stock.)
- Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a low boil, and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and cook until pasta is al dente, about 15-18 minutes, stirring often.
- Uncover and reduce heat to low.
- Add the heavy cream, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Mix well and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with basil, feta, and serve immediately.
One-Pot Greek Lemon Chicken Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and delicious – a trifecta that's often hard to achieve. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this One-Pot Greek Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe. It's a game-changer, seriously. Forget complicated steps and multiple dishes – this entire meal comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It starts with tender chicken breast, perfectly seasoned and lightly browned. Then, fragrant garlic, sweet red onion, and briny olives join the party, building a flavor foundation that’s both robust and fresh. The pasta cooks right in the pot with the chicken and vegetables, absorbing all the delicious juices and creating a creamy, flavorful sauce. Adding a splash of heavy cream and the bright zest and juice of a lemon elevates the dish to new heights. The tangy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and vibrant spinach create a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.
But the best part? This meal is incredibly versatile. I often swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage, depending on what's on sale or what my family is craving. Sometimes, I’ll throw in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a richer, more decadent taste. The possibilities are endless. This recipe is a perfect blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and cheeses. The key is to embrace the simplicity and let the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean shine through.
One thing I absolutely love about this recipe is how adaptable it is to different dietary needs. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. It’s equally delicious and satisfying without the meat. You can also adjust the pasta type based on your preference - fusilli, penne, rotini—they all work wonderfully.
This recipe has become a staple in our family’s dinner rotation. It's quick, easy, and consistently delicious. The best part is, it always leaves me with more time to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with my family. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this One-Pot Greek Lemon Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a family favorite. So ditch the complicated recipes, embrace the simplicity, and get ready to enjoy a truly delightful and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the pot.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even orzo would work well.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
- Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
This One-Pot Greek Lemon Chicken Pasta recipe isn’t just a meal; it's an experience. It's a taste of the Mediterranean sun, a burst of fresh flavors, and a reminder that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated.
