Mediterranean Best-Ever Herb Chicken Penne with Crispy Potatoes
A comfort food mash-up where pasta meets golden potatoes and herbed chicken—Mediterranean-style
This Mediterranean Best-Ever Herb Chicken Penne with Crispy Potatoes is a satisfying, flavor-packed fusion of crispy, oven-roasted potatoes, juicy herb-marinated chicken, and tender penne pasta tossed in a light olive oil and garlic sauce. Finished with a sprinkle of feta and fresh herbs, it’s a hearty yet balanced dish that brings together the best of pasta night and Mediterranean soul food. Whether served family-style or for meal prep, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Herb Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Crispy Potatoes:
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (small cubes)
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
For the Pasta:
8 oz (about 2½ cups) penne pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
Optional: Lemon zest, chopped olives, or spinach for extra flair
Instructions
Roast the Potatoes:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, paprika, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Marinate the Chicken:
While potatoes roast, combine chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook marinated chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes total). Remove and set aside.
Make the Garlic Olive Oil Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add cherry tomatoes and cook 2–3 minutes until just softened.
Combine Everything:
Add cooked penne to the skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir in cooked chicken, crispy roasted potatoes, and feta. Toss gently to combine.
Finish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and additional lemon zest if desired. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil or a few sliced olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
Tips
Crispy Potato Perfection:
Cut the potatoes small (½-inch cubes) for faster roasting and max crispiness. Spread them out on the baking sheet—overcrowding = steaming, not crisping.
Pasta Water = Magic:
Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it helps bind everything together and adds a touch of creaminess without cream.
Layer Flavors:
Season each component (chicken, potatoes, pasta) well. The layering of seasoning is what gives this dish restaurant-level depth.
Serve Immediately:
This dish is best served fresh when the potatoes are still crispy. If reheating, re-crisp the potatoes separately in a pan or oven.
Protein Variations
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp:
Grill marinated chicken or shrimp instead of pan-searing for added smoky flavor.
Vegetarian Option:
Skip the chicken and add roasted chickpeas, marinated artichokes, or grilled halloumi.
Add-In Ideas
Veggies:
Add sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled zucchini for extra nutrients and color.
Olives & Capers:
Toss in sliced kalamata olives or a few capers for a salty, briny finish.
Spicy Kick:
Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of harissa for heat.
Cheese Options
Beyond Feta:
Try goat cheese, shaved parmesan, or ricotta salata for different textures and flavors.
Creamy Twist:
Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream for a creamy version.
Finishing Touches
Zesty Finish:
Lemon zest or a quick squeeze of lemon right before serving brings the whole dish to life.
Fresh Herbs:
Don’t hold back—parsley, basil, oregano, or even dill can elevate the freshness.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes—prepare the chicken, pasta, and roasted potatoes separately and combine just before serving. Store each component in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the potatoes in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp.
Q: Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
A: Definitely. Just toss it in with the garlic and tomatoes to warm through. You can still add Mediterranean herbs and lemon for flavor.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Yes—use gluten-free penne and confirm that your seasonings and feta are certified gluten-free. Everything else is naturally GF.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
A: For vegetarian, just omit the chicken or substitute with roasted chickpeas or halloumi. For vegan, skip the cheese or use plant-based feta and sub the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimated per serving – based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~560
Protein: 36g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: ~540mg
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on portion size, cheese used, and oil quantity.
Final Conclusion
This Mediterranean Best-Ever Herb Chicken Penne with Crispy Potatoes is everything comfort food should be—warm, hearty, flavorful, and nourishing. The combination of golden, crispy potatoes with herby chicken, al dente pasta, and a light olive oil garlic sauce hits all the right notes. It’s a complete, balanced dish that feels indulgent but is loaded with real, whole-food ingredients. Perfect for weeknight meals, dinner parties, or meal prep with a Mediterranean twist.