Creamy Lemon Feta Chicken Pasta

Experience a vibrant taste of the Mediterranean with this Creamy Lemon Feta Chicken Pasta. This Greek-inspired dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with a luxurious sauce made from tangy feta, sharp Parmesan, and bright citrus. It is a sophisticated yet easy-to-make meal that brings a refreshing twist to your standard pasta night.

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Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a comforting family meal, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory protein and zesty creaminess. The addition of dried oregano and garlic powder gives the chicken a classic Greek flair that anchors the entire dish.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni
• Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Extra feta and lemon zest, optional

Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove to a plate and keep warm.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and lemon zest. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan and feta until melted and sauce is smooth. Add red pepper flakes if using.

Step 7

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time if needed for desired sauce consistency.

Step 8

Season with additional black pepper and adjust salt if needed.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, extra feta, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a smooth sauce, keep the heat low when adding the cheeses. Constant stirring helps the feta and Parmesan incorporate into the cream and broth without clumping. Always reserve your pasta water, as the starch within it helps emulsify the sauce and adjust the thickness to your preference.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. To add more nutrients and color, try folding in a few handfuls of baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes during the final tossing of the pasta.

Serviervorschläge

This Creamy Lemon Feta Chicken Pasta pairs exceptionally well with a crisp, dry Greek white wine such as Assyrtiko. Serve it alongside a light cucumber and tomato salad to complement the Mediterranean theme of the meal.

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This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients like lemon and feta can transform a basic pasta meal into something extraordinary. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, tangy, and deeply satisfying Greek-inspired dinner.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta shape works well. Rigatoni, farfalle, or ziti are excellent alternatives that hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

→ How can I make this lighter?

Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also increase the vegetables by adding baby spinach or cherry tomatoes.

→ What wine pairs best with this dish?

A crisp Greek white wine such as Assyrtiko complements the tangy feta and lemon flavors beautifully. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are also excellent choices.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

The sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore consistency before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

The traditional version contains gluten from the pasta. Use gluten-free penne or your preferred GF pasta shape to make this suitable for gluten-free diets while maintaining great texture.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Goat cheese or ricotta salata can replace feta for different flavor profiles. Both provide creaminess and tang, though the overall taste will vary slightly from the original.