Mediterranean Chicken Pasta

A flavorful and wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dinner featuring tender chicken breast and whole grain spaghetti, tossed with vibrant vegetables, tangy olives, and aromatic herbs. This dish is packed with nutritious ingredients, creating a satisfying and delicious meal that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast.
ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (1 lb)
- 8 oz whole grain spaghetti
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional), for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
steps
- 1.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- 3.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole grain spaghetti according to the package instructions until al-dente. Drain and set aside.
- 4.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 5.
Add the minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, remaining dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Pour the mixture over the vegetables in the skillet.
- 7.
Add the cooked whole grain spaghetti and sliced chicken breast to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 8.
Serve the Mediterranean chicken pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (if desired) and chopped parsley.