Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pasta
This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pasta is a fresh and zesty twist on traditional pasta dishes, featuring juicy marinated chicken, tangy lemon, garlic, herbs, and Mediterranean favorites like cherry tomatoes, olives, and parsley. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with protein and vegetables, and easy to customize. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish delivers flavor and simplicity in every bite.
Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free alternative)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup baby spinach or arugula (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes or until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté red onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly blistered.
Combine and Toss
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, olives, lemon zest and juice, and baby spinach if using. Toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with extra lemon wedges or more grated cheese if desired.
Tips
Marinate ahead for more flavor – Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) enhances tenderness and taste.
Reserve pasta water – It helps loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly without adding more oil.
Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled juice won’t have the same brightness or flavor depth.
Don’t overcook the chicken – Sear until just golden and cooked through to keep it juicy.
Serve immediately – This dish is best fresh when the ingredients are vibrant and the flavors are bold.
Variations
Make it low-carb – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or spaghetti squash.
Add feta or goat cheese – Crumble on top for tang and creaminess.
Include other vegetables – Bell peppers, roasted eggplant, or artichoke hearts add bulk and flavor.
Use seafood – Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a coastal Mediterranean twist.
Add nuts – Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add crunch and a nutty element.
Q&A
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead, and even cook the pasta in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up before serving.
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely. Just skip the marinating step and sauté the shredded or chopped cooked chicken with the veggies to warm it through.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a gluten-free pasta such as brown rice, chickpea, or lentil-based options.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Omit the chicken and add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or chickpeas for protein and texture.
What can I serve with this pasta?
It pairs well with a simple Greek salad, crusty bread (or keto flatbread if low-carb), or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli.
Nutrition (Approximate, Per Serving – 4 servings)
Calories: 480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Net Carbs: 38g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 450mg
Vitamin C: 35% DV
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 18% DV
Note: Using gluten-free or whole wheat pasta may affect the carb content slightly.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pasta is a vibrant, well-balanced meal that brings together fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients in one easy skillet. With tender marinated chicken, tangy lemon, and Mediterranean accents like olives and herbs, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a lighter pasta to share with guests, this recipe delivers brightness and flavor in every forkful.