Mediterranean Chicken Penne Delight
This vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Penne Delight captures the essence of Greek flavors in a hearty, one-dish meal. Featuring tender grilled chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish is combined with a tangy feta cheese and a homemade Greek seasoning that takes it to the next level. Once you take a bite, you'll be transported to the sunny shores of Greece. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a new favorite at your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
3 (grilled and diced)
penne pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
feta cheese
8 ounces (crumbled)
Greek seasoning
2-3 teaspoons (to taste)
diced tomatoes
15 ounces (canned and drained)
olive oil
1/2 cup (for sautéing)
garlic cloves
10 (diced)
onion
1 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (diced)
kalamata olives
6 ounces (optional, pitted and sliced)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for added spice)
Instructions
1
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with 1-2 teaspoons of Greek seasoning. Grill them until fully cooked and then dice into bite-sized pieces.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced garlic, chopped onion, and diced green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes for an added kick.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, drained diced tomatoes, kalamata olives (if using), and the remaining Greek seasoning. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5
Crumble the feta cheese over the top and gently mix to incorporate without breaking the cheese too much.
6
Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Penne Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken Penne Delight?
It is a vibrant Greek-inspired one-dish meal featuring grilled chicken, penne pasta, colorful vegetables, and feta cheese.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one pound of penne pasta.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be seasoned with Greek seasoning, grilled until fully cooked, and then diced into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of cheese is used in this dish?
Eight ounces of crumbled feta cheese are used to provide a tangy Mediterranean flavor.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, the kalamata olives are listed as an optional ingredient.
How much garlic is used in the Mediterranean Chicken Penne Delight?
The recipe calls for 10 diced garlic cloves for a robust flavor.
What vegetables are sautéed for this recipe?
The recipe involves sautéing chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and diced garlic.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes for an added kick, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
A half cup of olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 15 ounces of canned and drained diced tomatoes.
How many chicken breasts do I need?
You will need three chicken breasts for this recipe.
When should I add the feta cheese?
The feta cheese should be crumbled over the top and gently mixed in after all other ingredients are combined.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The onion, garlic, and green bell pepper should be sautéed for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
What gives the dish its Greek flavor?
The combination of Greek seasoning, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and olive oil provides the authentic Greek taste.
How much Greek seasoning is needed?
The recipe uses 2-3 teaspoons of Greek seasoning in total.
Should the pasta be cooked before mixing?
Yes, the penne pasta should be cooked in salted boiling water and drained before being added to the mix.
How many servings does this make?
While specific serving counts are not provided, it is described as a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings.
What is the first step in making this dish?
The first step is to cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
While the recipe calls for green bell pepper, you can substitute other colors for a similar texture.
Is this a good weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a perfect recipe for a cozy weeknight dinner or family gathering.
How do I ensure the feta cheese doesn't break?
Gently mix the feta into the pasta to incorporate it without breaking the cheese pieces too much.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water.
What is the texture of the chicken in this dish?
The chicken is grilled and diced, providing a tender and charred texture.
Can I add more spice to the dish?
Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or Greek seasoning to your liking.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as comfort food.
What is the role of the olive oil?
The olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics and to help coat the pasta and chicken for a smooth finish.
Should the kalamata olives be sliced?
If using kalamata olives, they should be pitted and sliced.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can use frozen chicken as long as it is fully thawed before seasoning and grilling.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is a Mediterranean-style pasta dish categorized as a one-dish meal.
How should I serve Mediterranean Chicken Penne Delight?
It is best served warm immediately after tossing all the ingredients together.