Mediterranean Diet Spaghetti with Chicken and Garlic Butter Sauce

Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this wholesome and indulgent Mediterranean Diet Spaghetti with Chicken and Garlic Butter Sauce. Made with nutrient-rich whole grain spaghetti, tender bite-sized chicken, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, this dish is bursting with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a zesty twist of lemon. A touch of extra virgin olive oil and aromatic oregano ties the meal together, offering a light yet satisfying touch. Perfectly balanced for weeknight dinners, this healthy and hearty recipe is a celebration of Mediterranean-inspired cooking, complete with optional parsley and parmesan for a gourmet finish. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, it’s a family-friendly meal you’ll revisit time and time again!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole grain spaghetti
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken breast dry and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season with a pinch of sea salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once melted, add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Stir in the spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 6

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained spaghetti, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Toss everything together to combine. If the sauce appears dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt and black pepper if needed. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter for added richness.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Spaghetti with Chicken and Garlic Butter Sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1355.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2071.7

Total Fat 101.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 526.2mg	0%
Sodium 3666.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 115.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.2g	0%
Total Sugars 12.0g
Protein 187.9g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 926.1mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 3036.8mg	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: 42.9%

Protein: 35.4%

Carbs: 21.7%