Craving a mouthwatering meal that transports you straight to the Mediterranean? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible Greek Penne and Chicken recipe that combines the perfect blend of juicy chicken, tangy feta, and sun-kissed tomatoes! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to deliver bold flavors and easy preparation that will make you feel like a professional chef.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano. Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with chicken and tomatoes. Toss gently to combine, using reserved pasta water if mixture seems dry.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced olives over the pasta. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or oregano as needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra feta cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Greek-style penne and chicken!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook pasta al dente and reserve some pasta water - it helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Chicken Cooking Hack: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, juicy results.
- Flavor Boosting: Toast your oregano briefly in the pan before adding chicken to enhance its aromatic qualities.
- Cheese Tip: Use high-quality, authentic feta for the most authentic Greek flavor. Crumble it just before serving to maintain texture.
- Optional Enhancements: Add a splash of white wine while cooking chicken or sprinkle some fresh parsley for extra freshness.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prep ingredients in advance and quickly assemble the dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
