Experience the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean right in your kitchen with this incredibly quick and delicious chicken pasta. Combining the rich, tangy notes of balsamic vinegar, the salty creaminess of feta cheese, and the hearty goodness of grilled chicken, this dish creates a perfect blend of flavors that will transport you to sun-drenched shores. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a simple yet elegant meal, this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta is a weeknight lifesaver, especially when you leverage the convenience of pre-cooked or frozen grilled chicken.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Watch How to Make It: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Video Guide

Introduction: Your New Favorite Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Recipe

If there’s one dish I could happily eat every single week, it would undoubtedly be this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta. It masterfully brings together several of my all-time favorite ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exhilarating. At its heart lies balsamic vinegar, a condiment I wholeheartedly believe to be The Ultimate for elevating simple ingredients. Pair that with the delightful saltiness of feta cheese and the lean protein of tender grilled chicken, and you have a meal that is not just quick and easy, but also profoundly satisfying.

This recipe, once affectionately known as “Chicken Orecchiette,” has evolved to embrace versatility. While orecchiette pasta – with its unique cup-like shape perfect for cradling sauce – is indeed fantastic with these bold Mediterranean flavors, we understand it’s not always readily available. Many of you have shared similar experiences, which is why we often use small shell pasta, as demonstrated in our latest photos and video. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability; any small, hearty pasta will work wonderfully, ensuring you can enjoy this Mediterranean delight no matter what’s in your pantry.

The Allure of Mediterranean Flavors

The Mediterranean diet is renowned not only for its health benefits but also for its incredible flavors, relying on fresh, wholesome ingredients. This chicken pasta embodies that spirit perfectly. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, crisp bell pepper, and savory onion, all brought together with a generous splash of balsamic, creates a bright, earthy, and slightly sweet base. Adding chicken makes it a complete meal, while feta and Parmesan cheeses introduce a creamy, salty depth that is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that feels both gourmet and homey, perfect for a casual family dinner or a light supper with friends.

Effortless & Fast: How Quick is This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta?

One of the biggest appeals of this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta is its impressive speed. If you’re a fan of meal prepping and keep pre-cooked chicken, peppers, and onions in your freezer, you can have this vibrant dish on your table in as little as 15 minutes. This makes it an absolute winner for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade, flavorful meal.

Even if you haven’t had a chance to prep ahead, this recipe remains incredibly efficient, coming in at under 30 minutes from start to finish. A fantastic shortcut for non-preppers is to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or dice the cooked chicken, and you’ve already saved a significant amount of cooking time. Be sure to explore my other easy rotisserie chicken dinner ideas for more fast and fabulous weeknight meals! The goal here is deliciousness without the fuss, proving that healthy and flavorful can also be incredibly convenient.

Why Meal Prepping Transforms Your Weeknights

Embracing meal prep is a game-changer for busy households. By taking a little time on the weekend to cook a batch of chicken, chop your vegetables, or even cook a large pot of pasta, you set yourself up for stress-free weeknight dinners. For this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta, having your chicken grilled and diced, and your bell pepper and onion chopped and ready to go (either fresh or frozen), shaves precious minutes off the cooking process. It turns a quick meal into an instant one, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your evening.

Choosing Your Pasta: Orecchiette vs. Shells and Beyond

While we initially favored orecchiette (meaning “little ears” in Italian) for this dish, due to its ability to beautifully scoop up the sauce and ingredients, we’ve found that small shell pasta is an excellent and often more accessible substitute. The key is to choose a pasta shape that has some nooks and crannies or a sturdy texture to hold onto the rich balsamic-feta sauce. Other great options include farfalle (bow-tie pasta), fusilli (corkscrew), or even penne. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand – the core flavors of this Mediterranean chicken pasta are robust enough to shine with various pasta shapes.

Essential Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Pasta

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in building the vibrant and delicious flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta: 16 ounces of cooked and rinsed shell or orecchiette pasta. (Remember, sturdy small shapes work best!)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon light extra virgin olive oil for sautéing.
• Balsamic Vinegar: ½ cup balsamic vinegar – the star condiment that adds depth and tang.
• Tomatoes: 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, preferably drained. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can elevate the flavor even further.
• Bell Pepper: 1 medium red bell pepper, diced for color and a hint of sweetness.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced to create a flavorful aromatic base.
• Cooked Chicken: 3 cups cooked chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or pre-prepped from the freezer).
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, or 2-3 teaspoons dried basil for that essential Mediterranean aroma.
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
• Feta Cheese: 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese, plus extra for garnish. Its salty, tangy profile is indispensable.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for an extra layer of savory umami.

Ingredient Spotlight: The Flavor Foundations

Balsamic Vinegar: Not all balsamic vinegars are created equal. A good quality balsamic will have a richer, slightly sweeter, and more complex flavor. It’s the secret weapon that brings a beautiful acidity and depth, cutting through the richness of the cheese and complementing the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Feta Cheese: This crumbly, briny cheese is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine. Its sharp, salty taste provides an incredible counterpoint to the other ingredients. While cow’s milk feta is common, authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk (or a blend) offers a more pungent and creamy texture that truly shines in this dish.

Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil is highly recommended here, as its aromatic sweetness makes a significant difference. If fresh is unavailable, dried basil works, but consider adding a touch more or complementing it with other dried Mediterranean herbs like oregano.

Tomatoes: Drained diced tomatoes ensure you get the intense tomato flavor without making the pasta too watery. For an extra layer of smoky depth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes are a fantastic choice, adding another dimension to this already flavorful dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta

Making this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta is straightforward and quick, perfect for any weeknight. Follow these simple steps to bring this flavorful dish to life:

1. Prepare Your Pasta: Start by cooking 16 ounces of your chosen pasta (shell or orecchiette are recommended) according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse it, then set aside.
2. Prep the Chicken: If not already done, cube or shred your 3 cups of cooked chicken. If using raw chicken, grill or pan-fry it until cooked through, then dice.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat about a tablespoon of light extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and diced onion. Sauté them until they soften and become fragrant, usually 5-7 minutes.



4. Combine & Simmer: Add the cubed chicken, drained diced tomatoes (especially fire-roasted if you have them!), and the chopped fresh basil to the skillet. Mix well and let it gently simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add Pasta & Balsamic: In a separate bowl, toss the cooked and rinsed pasta with ½ cup of balsamic vinegar until well coated. This ensures every piece of pasta gets that wonderful tangy flavor. Then, add the pasta mixture to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables.



6. Cheese & Seasoning: Season the entire mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
7. Toss & Serve: Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are well combined and the cheeses are slightly softened and melted into the warm pasta. Serve immediately, garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta cheese and, if desired, a few more fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy this delightful and satisfying Mediterranean Chicken Pasta!

Tips for Perfecting Your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better and absorbs the sauce without becoming mushy. A quick rinse after draining can also help prevent sticking and ensure a pleasant texture.
• Quality Balsamic Matters: A good quality balsamic vinegar will offer a richer, slightly sweeter, and more complex flavor. If you only have basic balsamic, consider reducing it slightly in a separate pan to concentrate its flavor before adding it to the pasta for an extra gourmet touch.
• Fresh Herbs are Best: While dried basil works, fresh basil provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that truly elevates this dish. If using fresh, add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its delicate aroma and color.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or even a tiny splash more balsamic if needed. The flavors are bright and fresh, so ensure they pop!
• Consider Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: For an extra layer of smoky, deep flavor, opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes. They truly make a subtle yet significant difference in the overall profile of the sauce.

Mediterranean Chicken with Pasta

Share