This Jamie Oliver greek chicken pasta recipe combines juicy seasoned chicken, tender pasta, creamy feta cheese, olives, spinach, and fresh lemon into a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dinner. The recipe is easy enough for weeknight cooking yet flavorful enough for entertaining guests. Every bite offers a balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that make this pasta comforting without feeling too heavy.
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
For the Pasta
400g penne pasta
Water for boiling
1 teaspoon salt
For the Chicken
2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Sauce and Vegetables
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red onion, sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup Kalamata olives
2 cups baby spinach
2 tablespoons lemon juice
150g feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Garnishes
Chili flakes
Extra feta cheese
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Season the chicken with oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red onion for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened slightly.
Stir in olives, spinach, and lemon juice. Cook until spinach wilts.
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta.
Toss everything together with a splash of reserved pasta water until coated evenly.
Sprinkle feta cheese and fresh parsley over the pasta.
Serve warm with optional chili flakes and lemon wedges.
Notes
Use authentic feta cheese for the best Greek flavor.
Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts for extra juiciness.
Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and nutrition.
Add extra pasta water if the sauce becomes too dry.
Fresh lemon juice creates a brighter flavor than bottled juice.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
