Greek Chicken Pasta Bowl (Print Version)

Vibrant Mediterranean bowl combining tender lemony chicken, fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Pasta

08 - 10 ounces short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rotini

→ Vegetables and Add-ins

09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
11 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
12 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
13 - 3.5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

15 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
16 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
17 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
18 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced olives, and sliced red onion.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
06 - Top the pasta bowl with sliced chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh chopped parsley. Gently toss together or arrange chicken on top for presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking
  • The combination of hot marinated chicken and cool crisp vegetables is incredibly satisfying
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day when the flavors have had time to mingle
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta with cold water is crucial or the vegetables will wilt from residual heat
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps all the juices inside instead of on your cutting board
  • The dressing tastes best if you make it right before serving rather than ahead of time
03 -
  • Grate the lemon zest before juicing so you don't accidentally zest into the juice
  • Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness if they're very thick so they cook evenly
  • Toast the pasta in a dry pan for 2 minutes before boiling for extra nutty flavor
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