There’s something truly comforting about a dish that combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with the ease of a one-pot meal. This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe hits that sweet spot — creamy, zesty, and packed with wholesome goodness, all cooked in one skillet for quick and easy cleanup.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe has saved dinner night for me. It’s flavorful without being complicated, and the creamy sauce mixed with fresh veggies makes it feel like a special occasion meal — but it comes together in under an hour!
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze — no need for multiple pans.
- Rich Mediterranean Flavors: Kalamata olives, fresh lemon, and feta cheese bring authentic Greek-inspired taste straight to your table.
- Quick & Family Friendly: Angel hair pasta cooks super fast, and the creamy sauce wins over even picky eaters.
- Customizable: You can swap veggies or tweak the seasonings to your liking without losing the heart of the dish.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe plays a part in creating that perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors. Here’s why they shine together — and a few tips to get the best versions of each.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Easy to cook quickly and soak up the lemon pepper seasoning and Greek dressing for juicy flavor.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Adds a bright citrus kick with just the right amount of spice — I love using the brand with sea salt for extra depth.
- Greek Salad Dressing: The secret to that signature tangy, herby sauce base — divides between marinade and cooking liquid for layered flavor.
- Chicken Broth & Half and Half: Creates a creamy yet light sauce that gently cooks the pasta.
- Avocado or Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection with a subtle fruity undertone.
- Dry White Wine: Don’t skip it if you can—this adds a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce and complements the chicken beautifully.
- Butter & Garlic: Classic combo to enrich the sauce with luscious flavor and aroma.
- Angel Hair Pasta: Cooks super fast and soaks up sauce wonderfully without losing texture.
- Baby Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes & Kalamata Olives: Freshness and briny pops that bring the Mediterranean vibe to life.
- Lemon Juice & Feta Cheese: Final brighten and creamy tang that make this pasta irresistible.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes. I’ve tried some fun tweaks over the years, so here are a few ideas if you want to mix things up a bit.
- Variation: Adding sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes deepens the flavor, especially in fall or winter. I love the richer taste it brings!
- Vegetarian Swap: Leave out the chicken and add artichokes or chickpeas when you add the spinach. It’s filling and just as tasty.
- Wine Substitute: If you don’t keep wine on hand, use extra chicken broth—but try to add a splash of something acidic, like a bit of white wine vinegar, to balance the sauce.
- Pasta Upgrade: If you want to use spaghetti instead of angel hair, remember to add extra liquid since it takes longer to cook. This is a great option when feeding a crowd!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
I start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then pounding them to about half an inch thick. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly without drying out. After patting them dry, I generously season with lemon pepper and slip them into a gallon bag with ⅔ cup of Greek salad dressing for a quick 20-minute marinade. This step always guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken that’s the soul of this dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat avocado or olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Pro tip: don’t rush flipping! Let it form a beautiful crust first. Remove the chicken and let it rest while you move on.
Step 3: Build Your Sauce
Wipe out any excess oil from the pan, then pour in the white wine. Use your spatula to scrape up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. This little step adds incredible depth! Let the wine reduce by about half, which usually takes 3 minutes. Then stir in butter and minced fresh garlic, cooking until fragrant — about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Pour in a mix of chicken broth, half and half, and the remaining Greek salad dressing. Bring it all to a boil, then add the angel hair pasta. This pasta cooks quickly—about 3 minutes—so toss it frequently with tongs to stop it from sticking and to help it soak up that delicious sauce.
Step 5: Add Fresh Veggies and Finish
Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in fresh baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Cook for another minute so the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften just right. Reduce heat to low, add back the sliced chicken, and splash in fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together gently to heat through.
Step 6: Cheese It Up and Serve
Finally, crumble in that creamy feta cheese and stir until it melts slightly but still holds some tasty texture. The sauce will thicken a bit more as it stands—trust me, it’s worth the wait. Remove from heat and plate it up — dinner is served!
Top Tip
After making this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe countless times, I found these tips really help to get restaurant-quality results at home, even if you’re busy or new to cooking.
- Marinate Well: Don’t skip marinating the chicken. That 20 minutes makes a huge difference in juicy, flavorful meat.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Let the chicken brown properly before flipping — it locks in moisture and adds texture.
- Constantly Toss Pasta: Angel hair sticks easily so keep it moving while it cooks to get perfect tenderness without clumps.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Fresh garlic and lemon juice brighten the flavors much more than jarred or bottled versions.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle a little extra crumbled feta and a few chopped fresh parsley leaves over the top to add a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving takes it to the next level. Sometimes, I add a few extra kalamata olives on the side for that salty pop.
Side Dishes
This dish is plenty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp Greek salad or some warm, garlicky pita bread to sop up any leftover sauce. Roasted asparagus or a simple cucumber and tomato salad are other favorites to keep the meal light and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve plated this pasta in shallow bowls and topped it with a lemon wedge to squeeze over. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts brings a subtle crunch that’s always a hit. If I’m making this for guests, a small ramekin of extra feta or olives on the side makes it feel extra thoughtful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors intensify overnight, making the pasta even tastier the next day. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to refresh the sauce.
Freezing
I usually don’t freeze this dish because the fresh veggies and creamy sauce can change texture after thawing, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months if you want to prep in advance.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce feels too thick. Microwave works fine too—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep the pasta from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can substitute the wine with extra chicken broth, though the wine adds a lovely acidity and depth. For brightness, adding a splash of white wine vinegar or a bit more lemon juice can help mimic that flavor.
Angel hair pasta is recommended because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully. However, you can swap in spaghetti if you adjust the cooking times and add extra liquid to account for the longer cooking duration.
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to a few hours in advance or even the night before. It speeds up your cooking later. However, I recommend serving the pasta freshly made for the best texture and flavor.
Kalamata olives provide a distinctive salty and briny flavor that’s key to this recipe. If you don’t have any, green olives or Castelvetrano olives can work as milder substitutes but you’ll want to adjust the salt accordingly to maintain flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe is one of those dishes that I love sharing with friends because it’s approachable, packed with flavor, and feels a little fancy without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, it’s a reliable go-to that never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do — it really does bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your kitchen.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta in One Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Pasta recipe is a one-pot wonder combining tender lemon pepper chicken, angel hair pasta, and vibrant Greek flavors like kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. Cooked in a flavorful sauce made from chicken broth, half and half, and white wine, it’s a quick, delicious, and hearty dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 cup Greek salad dressing, divided
Liquid Components
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- ¾ cup half and half
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Vegetables
- ½ lb. angel hair pasta
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup kalamata olives
Cheese
- ¾ cup feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get two thinner slices each. Cover with saran wrap and pound each side until about ½-inch thick. Pat dry and season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning. Place chicken in a gallon freezer bag along with ⅔ cup Greek salad dressing, seal out the air, and marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Mix Liquids: While chicken marinates, combine chicken broth, chicken bouillon cube, half and half, and remaining ⅓ cup Greek salad dressing in a large measuring cup with a spout. Measure out remaining ingredients to prepare for cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat avocado or olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, discarding leftover marinade. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into smaller strips.
- Deglaze and Reduce Wine: Remove excess oil from skillet by dabbing with a paper towel. Pour in the white wine and reduce heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the skillet to loosen browned bits. Reduce the wine by nearly half, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Broth Mixture and Boil Pasta: Pour the chicken broth and half and half mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and bring back to a gentle boil. Cook for 3 minutes, tossing frequently with kitchen tongs to prevent sticking.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Cook for 1 more minute. There will still be some liquid in the skillet at this point.
- Add Chicken and Lemon Juice: Reduce heat to low. Add the sliced chicken strips and lemon juice into the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through thoroughly.
- Incorporate Feta Cheese and Serve: Stir in the feta cheese until combined. The feta will partially melt, adding a creamy texture while maintaining some firmness. The sauce will thicken more as it stands. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lemon pepper seasoning brands carefully; Redmond Real Salt is recommended, but some brands like McCormick can be potent. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Sauvignon Blanc is the preferred white wine choice, followed by Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. If avoiding wine, substitute with additional chicken broth.
- Kalamata olives add signature briny flavor; omit only if necessary and increase salt slightly if skipping.
- Fresh garlic cloves and fresh lemon juice offer better flavor than jarred or bottled alternatives.
- Substitute sun-dried tomatoes if preferred, which adds rich flavor depth.
- Optional additions include red onions, canned artichokes, chickpeas, or diced cucumbers for added texture and taste.
- When substituting spaghetti for angel hair pasta, increase liquids by ½ cup chicken broth, ½ cup half and half, and add 3 tablespoons Greek dressing; add vegetables during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- High elevations may require more liquid and longer cooking times for one-pot pasta dishes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days; reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Leave a Reply