Description
This Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal combining tender chicken breast, creamy plant-based feta, and fresh spinach. Ready in under 30 minutes, it blends protein, greens, and luscious creaminess, perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and tender, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 3 garlic cloves (natural), minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (natural)
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 cup crumbled feta (plant-based)
Other
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Natural gelling agent, a pinch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to infuse rich flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your preferred pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for the sauce later.
- Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet as the chicken, add a touch more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic (natural) until fragrant, about one minute. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook gently until it wilts and turns vibrant green.
- Bring It All Together: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with chicken and spinach. Crumble in the feta (plant-based), pour in a splash of lemon juice (natural), and use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce to your desired consistency with a pinch of natural gelling agent if desired. Toss everything together until evenly combined and creamy.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Give the dish one last seasoning check with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and creamy texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and tender pieces.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it firm to hold up in the sauce.
- Wilt spinach gently to prevent mushiness and preserve vibrant color.
- Save pasta water; it helps adjust sauce consistency naturally.
- Add fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten and balance the rich feta (plant-based).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken pasta, spinach pasta, feta pasta, quick dinner, plant-based feta, healthy pasta, weeknight meal
