Vibrant Mediterranean pasta with tender lemon chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Light, refreshing, and ready in 40 minutes.
# Components:
→ 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 (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
→ Vegetables and Toppings
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
# Directions:
01 - In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water until cooled.
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 through. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper until combined.
06 - Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly. Top with sliced chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh chopped parsley. Toss gently or serve chicken on top.
