Description
This Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta combines tender chicken breast, creamy plant-based feta, and fresh spinach with perfectly cooked pasta for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners, this dish delivers comforting textures and vibrant tastes with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy & Cheese (plant-based)
- 3/4 cup plant-based feta, crumbled
Vegetables & Greens
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped, for garnish
Pasta & Grains
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta option)
Oils & Vinegars
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Condiments & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook in the skillet for 6 to 8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, stirring often.
- Combine ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the skillet with spinach and garlic. Stir in cooked pasta, crumbled plant-based feta, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar. Toss gently to combine and heat through.
- Finish and serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Do not overcook spinach; wilt until bright green to keep nutrients and texture.
- Reserve a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Choose firm plant-based feta to maintain a perfect crumble.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for vibrant flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, spinach pasta, plant-based feta, quick dinner, healthy pasta, vegetarian option, weeknight meal
