Name: Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 oz rigatoni pasta; 1/3 cup harissa paste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed; 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Greek flavors meet bold spice in this crave-worthy comfort dish that checks every box: creamy, zesty, smoky, and crispy. Imagine tender grilled Greek-marinated chicken, nestled beside rigatoni smothered in a harissa-laced feta cream sauce, with crispy roasted asparagus bites bringing the crunch. It’s a feast that brings restaurant flair right into your kitchen.

This meal is perfect for when you want a balance of richness and vibrancy. The feta sauce is silky yet tangy, with a touch of heat from harissa, while the chicken is infused with lemon, oregano, and garlic. Roasted asparagus gets a parmesan crisp finish that elevates every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta

Full-flavor fusion: Creamy, spicy, garlicky, and herbaceous all in one dish.
Hearty yet refreshing: The pasta and chicken satisfy, while the Greek herbs and lemony zest brighten everything.
Perfect for prep or guests: Looks impressive, but it’s easy enough for weekday cooking.
Bold texture contrast: The creamy sauce and al dente pasta are perfectly balanced with the crispy veggie bites.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull off this layered dish seamlessly, here are the essential tools and why each one matters:

Cast Iron or Grill Pan: For getting that gorgeous char on the Greek-marinated chicken, sealing in juices and flavor.
Large Pot: Essential for boiling rigatoni to a perfect al dente finish.
Non-stick Skillet or Saucepan: Where the creamy harissa feta sauce comes to life.
Baking Sheet with Parchment: For roasting the asparagus crisps to crunchy, golden perfection.
High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: Makes the feta cream ultra-smooth and well-emulsified.
Tongs & Spatulas: For flipping, stirring, and combining without breaking delicate textures.

Ingredients for the Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-rich, it absorbs the Greek marinade beautifully and gets perfectly charred.
Greek Yogurt: A base for the marinade that adds tang and tenderizes the chicken.
Garlic & Lemon Juice: Add punch and brightness to the chicken and sauce.
Oregano & Paprika: Mediterranean staples that bring earthy depth.
Rigatoni Pasta: Its hollow shape catches the creamy harissa sauce for big flavor in every bite.
Harissa Paste: Adds smoky, spicy depth to the feta sauce.
Feta Cheese: The creamy and salty heart of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Smooths out the sauce and balances the spice.
Asparagus: Roasts to a crisp and acts as a crunchy veggie contrast.
Parmesan Cheese: Coats the asparagus for a golden, savory crunch.
Olive Oil & Salt: Essentials for flavor and roasting.

How To Make the Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and olive oil. Coat the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Roast the Asparagus Crisps

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss trimmed asparagus with olive oil, salt, and grated parmesan. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.

Step 3: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken 5-6 minutes per side until juicy and charred. Let it rest before slicing.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Harissa Feta Cream Sauce

In a skillet, combine crumbled feta, heavy cream, and harissa paste. Heat gently and stir until creamy and smooth. Add lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Blend in a processor if needed for extra smoothness.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Toss the cooked pasta in the feta cream sauce. Plate with sliced grilled chicken on the side and top with crispy roasted asparagus.

Serving and Storing This Mediterranean Dish

Serve this pasta dish hot, garnished with extra herbs like parsley or dill and a squeeze of lemon for a final zesty kick. Pair it with a fresh tomato cucumber salad or warm pita on the side.

For storage, keep the components separate: store pasta and sauce in one container, chicken in another, and asparagus crisps wrapped in parchment to stay crunchy. Reheat pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream. Asparagus is best eaten fresh but can be crisped again in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the harissa feta sauce?

It has a mild to moderate heat, depending on the harissa brand. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less harissa.

Can I substitute another protein?

Absolutely. Shrimp or grilled tofu are great alternatives that soak up the marinade well.

What pasta shapes can I use instead of rigatoni?

Penne, fusilli, or even shells work well—anything that holds sauce!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just warm it gently and whisk before serving.

What if I don’t have a grill pan?

A regular skillet works fine. Just ensure it’s hot enough to give the chicken a good sear.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Use dairy-free yogurt for the marinade and swap feta and cream with cashew-based alternatives.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta, here are more flavor-packed dishes to try next:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra harissa for more heat? Try a different veggie side? I love hearing how these dishes evolve in your kitchens.

Have questions? I’m always happy to help tweak a recipe or offer substitutions.

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