Lemon Feta Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Quick & Zesty Lemon Feta Chicken Spaghetti Recipe You’ll Adore

Bright, tangy lemon feta chicken spaghetti represents a Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure waiting to change your dinner routine.

Complex flavor profiles dance across your palate with each perfectly balanced bite.

Succulent chicken mingles seamlessly with zesty citrus undertones, creating a harmonious meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Creamy feta cheese provides a rich, salty counterpoint to the vibrant Lemon notes.

Delicate pasta strands become the perfect canvas for these bold ingredients to shine.

Simple yet sophisticated, this dish promises a quick and delightful dining experience that elevates ordinary weeknight meals.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that sparks joy and satisfies your taste buds.

Tips to Keep Chicken Juicy and Feta Balanced

  • Flour Coating Trick: Shake excess flour off chicken to ensure a light, crispy exterior without clumping.
  • Garlic Sauté Secret: Use a pinch of salt when cooking garlic to prevent burning and enhance its aromatic flavor.
  • Sauce Consistency Hack: Reserved pasta water is your magic ingredient for creating a silky, perfectly coated pasta sauce.
  • Wine Depth Booster: Adding white wine (optional) creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile in the sauce.
  • Feta Finishing Move: Sprinkle feta just before serving to keep its texture fresh and prevent it from becoming too soggy.

How to Reheat Without Drying Out the Pasta or Chicken

  • Refrigerate leftover Lemon Feta Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store separately for best quality, keeping chicken and pasta in different sealed containers to prevent soggy noodles. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave by placing pasta in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through and steaming.
  • Revive cold spaghetti on the stovetop for superior texture. Warm a skillet over medium-low heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and toss pasta gently until heated evenly.

What Goes Well with This Mediterranean-Inspired Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon's brightness and cut through the creamy feta, enhancing the dish's tangy and delicate flavors.
  • Mediterranean Salad Side: Serve with a fresh Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and olives to mirror the Mediterranean ingredients, adding a refreshing crunch that balances the pasta's richness.
  • Herb-Infused Garlic Bread: Prepare a warm, crusty garlic bread with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken and smooth spaghetti.
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley: Add a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with a light olive oil drizzle to introduce additional Mediterranean elements and provide a nutritious, colorful accompaniment.

Ingredient Swaps to Freshen Up This Pasta Favorite

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Spaghetti: Replace regular seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile. Swap white wine with Greek-style white wine and use kalamata olives as an additional garnish.
  • Spicy Citrus Chicken Pasta: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning and incorporate orange zest into the sauce. Use hot paprika for extra kick and top with fresh cilantro instead of parsley.
  • Creamy Garlic Chicken Spaghetti: Introduce cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture. Include roasted garlic cloves and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese during final tossing for enhanced creaminess.
  • Herb-Infused Lemon Chicken: Incorporate fresh basil and chives into the sauce. Use white wine vinegar as a substitute for wine and add chopped fresh dill as a final garnish for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Why Lemon Feta Chicken Spaghetti Packs a Tangy Punch

  • Burst with Bright Flavors: Tangy lemon and salty feta create a zesty, mouthwatering combination that transforms ordinary chicken pasta into an extraordinary meal.
  • Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: This recipe teaches simple restaurant-style techniques like dredging chicken and creating a pan sauce, allowing home cooks to elevate their culinary skills effortlessly.
  • Perfectly Balanced Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from spaghetti, and balanced macronutrients, this dish offers a wholesome, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.
  • Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows swapping ingredients like adding vegetables, using different herbs, or adjusting wine preferences, making it adaptable to personal taste and pantry availability.

What You’ll Need for This Light, Zesty Pasta Dish

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds depth and saltiness to the pasta sauce.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly Greek cheese that provides a bright, creamy garnish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Fragrant ingredient that creates a rich, deep flavor base for the sauce.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds fresh color and light herbal notes as a garnish.
Liquid and Sauce Components:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality cooking oil that helps sauté and create a smooth sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that builds the sauces foundation and adds depth.
  • White Wine: Optional ingredient that provides subtle complexity to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Acidic component that brightens the entire dish and adds zesty flavor.
Pasta:
  • Spaghetti: Classic pasta that serves as the base of the dish, best when cooked al dente.
  • Flour: Light coating that helps create a golden crust on the chicken.

How to Toss Together This Greek-Inspired Spaghetti

Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Coat the chicken in flour, gently shaking off any excess flour.

Step 2: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Add 1-olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes until it releases a fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and white wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 7-8 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce with Citrus

Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep sauce covered to maintain warmth.

Step 6: Cook Spaghetti

Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain pasta, reserving of pasta water.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss spaghetti with the prepared sauce and grated Parmesan. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Step 8: Add Cooked Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on top of the spaghetti.

Step 9: Finish with Garnishes

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving.

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Lemon Feta Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Lemon Feta Chicken Spaghetti Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean zest meets comfort in this lemon feta chicken spaghetti, where tangy cheese and citrusy notes dance through tender pasta strands. Hearty chicken and sharp feta create a Mediterranean-inspired meal that will transport palates to sunny Greek coastal kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 chicken cutlets
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Flour:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) thin spaghetti (like Barilla whole grain)
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • ¼ cup minced garlic
  • 1 can (14 ounces/414 milliliters) chicken broth
  • ¼ cup white wine (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Sea or kosher salt
  • Fresh black pepper
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then delicately dust with all-purpose flour, carefully tapping off any excess coating.
  2. Warm extra virgin olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Gently transfer to a separate plate and loosely tent with aluminum foil to retain warmth.
  3. Drizzle additional olive oil into the same skillet and introduce minced garlic with a subtle pinch of salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until aromatic and lightly golden.
  4. Stream chicken broth and optional dry white wine into the skillet. Allow liquid to gently simmer, occasionally stirring and reducing for 7-8 minutes until sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
  5. Immediately remove skillet from heat and incorporate fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as desired. Cover to maintain temperature.
  6. Prepare spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Carefully drain pasta, reserving of starchy cooking liquid.
  7. Combine cooked spaghetti with prepared sauce, gently folding in grated Parmesan cheese. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, silky texture.
  8. Slice cooked chicken into elegant strips and artfully arrange over sauced spaghetti.
  9. Elegantly sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley as a final flourish before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Elevate your weeknight dinner with this zesty Mediterranean-inspired pasta that combines tangy lemon, creamy feta, and perfectly seasoned chicken.
  • Dredging chicken in flour creates a delicate golden crust that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture to each tender bite.
  • Sautéing garlic releases its aromatic oils, infusing the entire dish with a rich, warm flavor that complements the bright lemon notes.
  • Reserved pasta water is the secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that beautifully coats every strand of spaghetti.
  • Crumbled feta adds a salty, creamy finish that cuts through the dish’s richness and provides a classic Greek-inspired touch.
  • Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous brightness that lifts the entire flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 495 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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