Greek Chicken Pasta Bowl

This Greek Chicken Pasta Bowl is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings together tender lemony chicken, crisp cucumbers, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfectly balanced with briny Kalamata olives and creamy crumbled feta, it offers a refreshing yet satisfying lunch or dinner option that is as colorful as it is delicious.

Merken

Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a bright, seasonal dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of warm grilled chicken and chilled pasta makes for a wonderful contrast in textures and temperatures.

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

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 Pasta

Cook the short pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly.

Step 3: Grill Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest, then slice it thinly.

Step 4: Combine Components

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat.

Step 6: Final Garnish

Top the bowl with the sliced chicken, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley. Gently toss again or serve the chicken neatly on top.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, cook your pasta al dente. Rinsing with cold water is essential to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for the full 2 hours to allow the lemon and garlic to deeply penetrate the meat.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a seafood variation, you can easily substitute grilled shrimp for the chicken. If you want more greens, try adding a handful of baby spinach or arugula. This recipe also works well with whole grain or gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Serviervorschläge

This bowl is best served immediately, but it also tastes great after chilling. It pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a traditional Greek white wine. For a complete Mediterranean feast, serve it alongside some warm pita bread.

Merken

Enjoy this fresh and nutritious Greek Chicken Pasta Bowl, a perfect way to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table!