One-Pot Greek Chicken Pasta Delicious and Easy Dinner

Looking for a dinner option that's both easy and delicious? Try my One-Pot Greek Chicken Pasta! This dish combines tasty ingredients and bright flavors in one simple pot. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this meal is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the simple steps, tips, and variations that make this dish a weeknight winner!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for One-Pot Greek Chicken Pasta

To make this dish, you need a few key items:

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

- 2 cups chicken broth

- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work well)

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon lemon zest

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful meal.

Optional Ingredients for Customized Flavor

You can add your touch with these extras:

- Red pepper flakes for heat

- Spinach or arugula for greens

- Sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor

- Fresh herbs like dill or mint

Feel free to mix and match according to your taste!

Kitchen Tools Required

You will need some basic tools for cooking:

- A large pot or Dutch oven

- A wooden spoon for stirring

- A sharp knife for chopping

- A cutting board

- Measuring spoons for precise ingredients

Having these tools ready will make the cooking process smoother. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sautéing the Chicken

Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it browned and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Cooking the Vegetables

In the same pot, add one medium diced onion and one sliced bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them soft and clear. Then, add three minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute. The garlic should smell great at this point.

Combining Ingredients and Cooking the Pasta

Now, it’s time to add more flavor. Stir in one can of diced tomatoes, with juices intact, and two cups of chicken broth. Next, add one teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme, plus some lemon zest. Then, toss in 12 ounces of your choice of pasta. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is gone.

Final Touches and Serving

When the pasta is done, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in one cup of halved kalamata olives. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes to heat everything through. Finally, remove the pot from the heat and fold in one cup of crumbled feta cheese. Adjust the taste with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before you serve. Enjoy your One-Pot Greek Chicken Pasta!

Tips & Tricks

Perfectly Cooking the Pasta

To cook pasta just right, use a large pot. Make sure you add enough water. When the water boils, add a pinch of salt. This helps the pasta taste better. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This keeps it from sticking. Follow the package time for al dente pasta. It should be firm but not hard. If you overcook it, the pasta gets mushy. After cooking, drain but save a little broth. This broth adds flavor later.

Keeping Chicken Tender and Juicy

To keep your chicken moist, start with fresh, good-quality meat. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Sauté the chicken in hot oil to seal in juices. Don’t overcrowd the pot; this helps it brown well. Brown for about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the pot to avoid overcooking. Return it later to heat through. This keeps it tender and juicy in your dish.

Adding More Greek Flavors

To boost the Greek taste, add more herbs like dill or basil. Fresh herbs give a bright flavor. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for zing. If you like spice, try adding some red pepper flakes. Kalamata olives and feta cheese are key to the dish. They bring salty and creamy notes. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley. It adds color and a fresh taste. Enjoy exploring these flavors in your meal!

Variations

Vegetarian Version of Greek Pasta

You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Start by swapping the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas. Both options absorb flavor well. Use the same seasonings and cook them just like the chicken. This change keeps the meal filling and tasty.

Alternative Protein Options

If you want different proteins, consider shrimp or turkey. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Turkey works well too; just make sure it’s cooked fully before adding it back to the pot.

Seasonal Vegetable Additions

Adding seasonal veggies can brighten up your pasta. Try zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. These veggies cook quickly and add color. Toss them in when you add the onions and bell peppers. They will blend in well with the other flavors in your dish.

Storage Info

Best Ways to Store Leftovers

To keep your One-Pot Greek Chicken Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Use airtight containers for storage. This helps keep it tasty and safe. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Always label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to use them.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, use a microwave or a stove. If using the microwave, place a portion in a bowl. Heat it for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth. Heat it over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often to keep it from sticking.

Freezing Options for Meal Prep

You can freeze One-Pot Greek Chicken Pasta for later. Just make sure it’s cooled down first. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions mentioned above. This makes meal prep easy and keeps dinner time stress-free.

FAQs

Can I use whole grain pasta instead?

Yes, you can use whole grain pasta. It adds more fiber and nutrients. The cooking time may change slightly, so check your package. Whole grain pasta can also give the dish a nuttier flavor.

What vegetables can I add to the dish?

You can add many vegetables to this dish. Try spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Broccoli and mushrooms also work well. Just chop them small and add them when cooking the onions and peppers.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options like rice or corn pasta. Make sure the broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or microwave. You may need to add a little broth to keep it moist.

This blog post showed how to make One-Pot Greek Chicken Pasta. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, kitchen tools, and the step-by-step cooking process. I shared tips to cook the pasta perfectly and keep the chicken juicy. You can also try variations like vegetarian options and different proteins. Plus, I included storage tips for leftovers.

By following these steps, you'll create a delicious meal that satisfies your family. Enjoy cooking!