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
- Generously coat chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then delicately dust with all-purpose flour, carefully tapping off any excess coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with prepared sauce, gently folding in grated Parmesan cheese. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, silky texture.
- Slice cooked chicken into elegant strips and artfully arrange over sauced spaghetti.
- 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