Greek Chicken Spaghetti (Print-Friendly)

Mediterranean-inspired pasta with grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Pasta

05 - 12 ounces spaghetti

→ Vegetables

06 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
10 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Cheese

11 - 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

12 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
14 - 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
15 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through with clear juices. Transfer to plate and rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain remainder.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and sliced red onion for 2 minutes until softened. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook 3-4 minutes until just softened.
04 - Add cooked spaghetti, olives, and reserved pasta water to skillet. Toss well to combine and heat through, adding additional olive oil if needed.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and fresh parsley. Add sliced chicken and half the crumbled feta, tossing gently to combine.
06 - Divide among serving plates. Top with remaining feta cheese and additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of hot grilled chicken and cool feta creates this incredible temperature contrast that keeps every bite interesting
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something you'd order at a restaurant after a long day at the beach
  • The leftovers are even better the next day when all those Mediterranean flavors have had time to really get to know each other
02 -
  • I once skipped letting the chicken rest and all the juices ran out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat where they belonged
  • The pasta water is absolutely essential for creating that light, emulsified sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti
  • Don't be tempted to add the feta while the pan is still on the heat or it will melt completely and lose that wonderful crumbly texture
03 -
  • If you have time, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an hour before grilling
  • Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta work perfectly if you're looking to switch things up
  • The dish is fantastic served warm or at room temperature, making it great for picnics or potlucks
Return