Name: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast; 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning; 1 cup Greek salad dressing, divided (⅔ cup for marinade, ⅓ cup for sauce); 2 ¼ cups chicken broth; ½ chicken bouillon cube; ¾ cup half and half; 2 tablespoons avocado oil (can substitute olive oil); ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended); 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ lb. angel hair pasta; 3 cups packed baby spinach; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup kalamata olives; 3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh preferred); ¾ cup feta cheese

There’s something about throwing together a colorful, comforting skillet that just feels like home. This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe blends juicy chicken, tangy feta, and bright veggies in a creamy, saucy pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again.

The image shows a large white pot filled with spaghetti pasta mixed with light brown cooked chicken chunks, dark purple olives, bright red cherry tomato halves, and fresh green spinach leaves. The spaghetti strands are soft and coated lightly with sauce. The chicken pieces are scattered evenly throughout the pasta, with the tomatoes providing bright spots of color. The spinach leaves are wilted but still green, while crumbled white cheese is sprinkled over the top. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot, partly covered with spaghetti. In the background, there are slices of lemon on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe because it’s a one-pan wonder that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually does. It’s creamy, zesty, and loaded with fresh Mediterranean flavors that brighten up any weeknight.

All-in-One Skillet Magic: No multiple pots or dishes, just one pan for easy cooking and minimal cleanup.
Bright and Flavorful: With lemon pepper, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta, it's like a sunny Mediterranean escape on your plate.
Adaptable Ingredients: Easy to tweak based on what you have or want – I’ll share some of my favorite swaps coming up.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Ready in under an hour, letting you get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe lies in pairing tender chicken with tangy feta and fresh veggies, all simmered in a creamy, lemony sauce. Each ingredient complements the next, creating a dish with layers of flavor and texture.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with lemon pepper, a small white bowl of Greek salad dressing, a small white bowl of chicken broth, a small white bowl of half and half, a small white bowl of avocado oil, a small white bowl of dry white wine, a few cloves of fresh garlic, a small white bowl of butter cubes, a neat bundle of dry angel hair pasta, a pile of fresh baby spinach leaves, halved vibrant cherry tomatoes, a small heap of plump kalamata olives, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small mound of crumbled feta cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breast: Pounded thin for quick cooking and even browning, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Lemon pepper seasoning: Adds a zesty, peppery kick that brightens the chicken beautifully.
Greek salad dressing: The secret to that tangy, herby flavor base—it also helps tenderize the chicken during the marinade.
Chicken broth & half and half: The combo creates a creamy, savory sauce without being heavy.
Avocado or olive oil: For searing the chicken and boosting richness while keeping things light and fresh.
White wine: Adds acidity and depth, deglazing the pan to pull up all those delicious browned bits.
Butter and garlic: Classic duo that builds a fragrant, luscious base for the sauce.
Angel hair pasta: Cooks quickly and soaks up the flavorful sauce—plus, it twirls so nicely on the fork!
Baby spinach: Adds a pop of color and gentle earthiness without overpowering.
Cherry tomatoes: Burst with sweet juiciness to balance the salty feta and olives.
Kalamata olives: The salty, briny note that screams Mediterranean, giving each bite a pleasant pop.
Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish right before serving, lifting all the flavors.
Feta cheese: Crumbly and tangy, it melts slightly into the pasta, making the sauce irresistible.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet is no exception. I often swap in sun-dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes when I want a richer depth of flavor or toss in red onions and artichokes for a heartier feel.

Variation: Once, I used gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for my friend—worked perfectly with just a slightly longer cooking time.
Make it Vegan: You can replace the chicken with chickpeas and swap half and half for coconut milk to keep the creaminess.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a gentle heat kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

A white bowl holds a colorful pasta dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is light yellow spaghetti noodles twisted neatly. The middle layer has mixed ingredients, including bright red cherry tomatoes cut in half, dark purple olives, and fresh green spinach leaves. The top layer shows pieces of light brown cooked chicken, small white cubes of cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped green herbs. A bright yellow lemon wedge sits on the side of the bowl. The background is a white marbled surface with some green parsley leaves and a white cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Marinate Your Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally, then use a meat tenderizer (or the bottom of a heavy pan) to pound the slices to about ½-inch thickness. This step helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with lemon pepper seasoning. Toss it into a gallon freezer bag with ⅔ cup of Greek salad dressing, seal the bag removing as much air as possible, and let it marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes. This marinade really tenderizes the chicken and adds a zesty punch.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado or olive oil in a deep, 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan—trust me, giving the chicken enough space helps you get that beautiful crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor-Packed Sauce

After removing the chicken, pour the remaining marinade down the drain (or compost if possible). Dab out any excess oil from the skillet with a paper towel, then pour in ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc is my go-to). Turn the heat to medium and scrape up the browned bits from the pan’s bottom and sides using a silicone spatula. This step is key for that rich, layered flavor. Let the wine reduce by nearly half, about 3 minutes.

Next, add 2 tablespoons butter and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Then pour in the mixture of 2¼ cups chicken broth, ½ chicken bouillon cube, ¾ cup half and half, and the remaining ⅓ cup Greek dressing. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Add ½ pound angel hair pasta to the simmering sauce. Keep it at a gentle boil and toss the pasta often with kitchen tongs to prevent sticking. After 3 minutes, it should still have a little bite but start absorbing those bright flavors.

Step 5: Add Veggies and Finish It Off

Stir in 3 cups packed baby spinach, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, and ½ cup Kalamata olives. Cook for about 1 minute to lightly wilt the spinach—this keeps the veggies fresh and vibrant. Reduce the heat to low, then add the sliced chicken strips and 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, stirring gently to combine and heat through. Finally, fold in ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese. It will melt slightly, giving the sauce a tangy creaminess with some lovely texture.

Remove from heat—the sauce will thicken as it cools, so no need to cook it down too much. Serve it up immediately for the best experience.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really make this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe shine, so I’m sharing my best tips to help you nail it on your first try.

Don’t Skip the Marinate: Even a quick 20-minute marinade softens the chicken and layers in flavor. I’ve tried skipping this and the dish just isn’t as memorable.
Deglaze the Pan Well: Using white wine to scrape up those browned bits adds so much depth. If you’d rather skip wine, chicken broth works but the flavor is a bit less complex.
Use Fresh Garlic and Lemon Juice: I always reach for fresh garlic cloves and freshly squeezed lemon juice because the bottled versions just don’t have the same brightness.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Angel hair cooks quickly—keep an eye on it and stir to prevent clumping. The pasta will finish cooking and soak up sauce off the heat.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe

Mediterranean chicken pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my skillet pasta with extra crumbled feta and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil. Sometimes I’ll add a few thin slices of lemon on top—not just for looks but for a quick squeeze of brightness at the table.

Side Dishes

A big leafy Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, and red onion complements the skillet perfectly. Garlic bread or warm pita on the side rounds out the meal nicely if you want some carbs to mop up that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet family-style right at the table for a cozy, communal vibe. Or, plate it individually and drizzle a little extra olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar spice for an elegant finish that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they stay great for up to 3 days. The pasta does continue to soak up the sauce, so it thickens up—just add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay if you leave out the spinach and tomatoes (those don’t thaw well). Freeze the chicken pasta mixture and then add fresh spinach and tomatoes when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth to restore creaminess. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the stovetop method gives a tastier, less dried-out result.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta in this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! While angel hair is ideal because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce nicely, you can substitute spaghetti or linguine. Just remember to adjust the liquid amounts and cooking time—longer cooking pastas need a bit more broth and half and half.

Do I have to use white wine in this recipe?

Not at all. White wine adds brightness and complexity but if you prefer not to cook with alcohol, chicken broth is a fine substitute. You might lose a bit of depth but the overall flavors will still be delicious.

Can I make this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the half and half with a good-quality coconut cream or cashew cream and omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The Greek dressing and olives still bring plenty of flavor to the dish.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Tossing the pasta frequently with tongs while it cooks in the sauce is key. Also, maintaining a gentle boil rather than a rapid boil helps. Adding the pasta gradually and stirring often prevents clumps and ensures even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I keep coming back to it because it’s reliably delicious, easy, and full of fresh flavors that remind me of sunny days by the sea. I can’t wait for you to try it—and make it your own too!