Description
Bold, creamy, and laced with spice—Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps is a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece perfect for anyone who loves big flavor and comforting textures. Juicy lemon-herb grilled chicken pairs with rigatoni coated in a fiery whipped feta harissa sauce, while crispy roasted asparagus adds an addictive crunch. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, Mediterranean pasta dishes, or quick gourmet recipes, this dish satisfies every craving and looks just as good as it tastes. It’s a top-tier easy recipe to elevate your weeknight routine.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juice and zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz rigatoni pasta
0.5 cup reserved pasta water
0.75 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
1.5 tablespoons harissa paste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove
0.5 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
12 asparagus spears, thinly sliced on a bias
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
0.5 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley or dill, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss thin asparagus slices with olive oil, parmesan, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes until crispy.
3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
4. Blend feta, yogurt, harissa, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley in a food processor until creamy. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
5. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
6. Toss drained pasta with the harissa feta cream. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
7. Plate pasta with sliced chicken and top with asparagus crisps. Garnish with herbs and lemon wedges. Serve warm.
Notes
Let feta and yogurt come to room temp before blending for the smoothest sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s key to achieving a silky, clingy sauce.
Thinly slicing asparagus ensures they roast evenly and crisp up beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plated portion
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 19
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 39
- Cholesterol: 110
Keywords: Greek chicken pasta, harissa feta pasta, roasted asparagus crisps, easy Mediterranean dinner, spicy pasta recipes