Mediterranean Diet Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant Mediterranean Diet Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables, a wholesome and flavorful dish bursting with fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients. Featuring tender whole grain penne, juicy pan-seared chicken, and a colorful medley of sautéed zucchini, red bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, this recipe is both satisfying and health-conscious. Aromatic garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a drizzle of freshly squeezed lemon juice infuse the dish with classic Mediterranean flavors, while baby spinach adds a boost of greens. Finished with a sprinkle of crumbled feta and fresh basil, this pasta dish is as delicious as it is nourishing. Ready in just 40 minutes and perfect for a balanced dinner, this one-pan recipe is a celebration of the Mediterranean lifestyle, packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors your family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole grain penne pasta
• 2 pcs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 pcs garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pc red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 pc zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole grain penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the sliced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 6

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 7

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Step 8

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with dried oregano. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 10

Serve the pasta warm, and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1456.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2589.0

Total Fat 90.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 395.8mg	0%
Sodium 3995.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 285.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.2g	0%
Total Sugars 22.4g
Protein 176.9g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 843.7mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 3035.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.6%

Protein: 26.6%

Carbs: 42.8%