Pin It This Greek Chicken Pasta Bowl is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings a refreshing burst of flavor to your dinner table. Featuring tender, lemony grilled chicken and a colorful medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, it is a satisfying dish that perfectly balances protein, healthy fats, and wholesome carbohydrates.
Pin It Every element of this bowl is designed for maximum impact with minimal effort. From the creamy crumbles of feta cheese to the sharp bite of red onion, each forkful offers a new texture and flavor to explore, making it a favorite for both weeknight meals and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 lemon (zested and juiced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rotini
- Vegetables & Add-ins: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup cucumber (diced), 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced), 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced), 100 g (3.5 oz) feta cheese (crumbled), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- Dressing: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the short pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Step 3: Grill and Slice
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest before slicing thinly.
- Step 4: Combine Components
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced olives, and red onion.
- Step 5: Dress the Salad
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Final Garnish
- Top the bowl with the sliced chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley. Gently toss again or serve the chicken slices on top for a beautiful presentation.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Always check ingredient labels for allergens such as wheat in the pasta, milk in the feta, and mustard in the dressing. For a better texture, ensure the pasta is rinsed with cold water to prevent it from becoming sticky when mixed with the other fresh ingredients.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable; you can substitute grilled shrimp for the chicken or use whole grain or gluten-free pasta as a healthy alternative. Adding a handful of baby spinach or arugula is a great way to incorporate extra leafy greens into the meal.
Serviervorschläge
This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a traditional Greek white wine. For the best experience, serve it in wide bowls so the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and parsley can shine.
Pin It Each serving of this Greek Chicken Pasta Bowl contains approximately 470 calories, 34g of protein, and 18g of fat. It is a well-rounded dish that offers both nutrition and incredible taste in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this bowl works excellently for meal prep. Store the pasta, vegetables, and dressing separately, then combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini are ideal because they catch the dressing and hold up well when tossed with all the Mediterranean ingredients.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more depth overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
- → Can I grill the chicken outside?
Absolutely. Outdoor grilling adds wonderful charred flavor to the lemon-marinated chicken. Just grill over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- → What other proteins can I use?
Grilled shrimp or pan-seared salmon work beautifully as alternatives. For a vegetarian version, try chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese instead of chicken.
- → Is this gluten-free adaptable?
Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy dish to adapt.