Zesty Lemon Feta Chicken Spaghetti Recipe That Dazzles

Summer dinners call for something light yet satisfying, and this zesty lemon feta chicken spaghetti delivers pure culinary magic.

Tangy citrus notes dance through tender pasta strands, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle between perfectly cooked spaghetti, while crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty punch.

Each forkful promises a refreshing blend of bright herbs and robust ingredients that wake up your taste buds.

Weeknight cooking becomes an effortless adventure with this simple yet elegant dish.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Dive in and let your kitchen become a gateway to Mediterranean-inspired deliciousness.

Essentials to Get Your Chicken Spaghetti Just Right

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the sauce, with sturdy sides and even heat distribution.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling chicken without piercing the meat.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping herbs.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise cutting of chicken and parsley.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately measure salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked spaghetti.
• Pasta Pot: Large pot for boiling spaghetti.
• Plate: For resting cooked chicken and covering with foil.
• Grater: To grate fresh Parmesan cheese.

How to Cook Lemon Feta Spaghetti with Flair

• Chicken Prep Coat the chicken with a flavorful seasoning blend, then lightly dust with flour for a golden exterior.
• Skillet Magic Heat olive oil and cook chicken until perfectly done, creating a delicious golden crust. Set aside and keep warm.
• Aromatic Foundation Sizzle minced garlic in the same skillet, releasing its incredible fragrance and building deep flavor layers.
• Sauce Creation Splash in broth and optional wine, letting the liquid reduce and transform into a silky, rich sauce that hugs the ingredients.
• Bright Finish Stir in fresh lemon juice, balancing the sauce with a tangy brightness that awakens the entire dish.
• Pasta Harmony Cook spaghetti until tender, then toss with the luxurious sauce, creating a creamy and vibrant pasta experience.
• Final Touch Arrange sliced chicken over the spaghetti, then sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips to Zest, Twirl & Taste

• Save that starchy liquid gold when draining spaghetti – it helps create a silkier, more clingy sauce that hugs every strand perfectly.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that seals in delicious moisture and flavor.
• No white wine? Try chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra lemon juice to add depth and brightness to the sauce.
• Experiment with different Mediterranean-style cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta salata instead of feta for a unique flavor twist that keeps the dish exciting.
• Toss in some roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini to add extra nutrition and color to this quick weeknight meal.

Bright Ideas for Plating and Pairing

• Zesty Mediterranean Plating: Arrange the spaghetti on a large white plate, creating a nest-like presentation that showcases the golden chicken slices and bright green parsley sprinkled on top.
• Tangy Side Companion: Serve with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and kalamata olives to complement the lemony chicken and enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this dish with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will beautifully highlight the bright citrus notes and cut through the richness of the feta and chicken.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Offer extra fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side, allowing guests to customize their plate with additional zesty brightness and aromatic herbs.

Spaghetti Leftovers? Here’s What to Do with Them

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Shelf Life Magic: Refrigerated chicken spaghetti stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly, keeping flavors intact and texture appealing.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in microwave with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir gently halfway through heating for even temperature distribution.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to enjoy similar taste and texture as freshly prepared meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Lemon Feta Chicken Spaghetti Ingredient Round-Up

• Chicken Cutlets: Lean protein that adds heartiness to the dish, choose fresh cutlets with no discoloration or odd smell.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances flavor depth and provides moisture, select low-sodium varieties for better control of saltiness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates golden crispy exterior for chicken, look for unbleached options for better texture.
• Garlic: Adds robust aromatic flavor, choose firm, plump cloves without sprouts.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for layering savory notes, freshly ground pepper offers more intense taste.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and rich undertone, select extra virgin for best quality.
• White Wine: Optional ingredient adding subtle complexity, use dry varieties like Pinot Grigio.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, zesty freshness, squeeze right before cooking for maximum tanginess.
• Parsley: Adds fresh herbal garnish, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Feta Cheese: Introduces creamy, tangy element, select authentic Greek varieties for authentic taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, salty finish, opt for freshly grated for most robust flavor.
• Spaghetti: Provides perfect pasta base, whole grain options offer more nutritional value.

Zesty Lemon Feta Chicken Spaghetti

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spirited Mediterranean flavors dance through this lemon feta chicken spaghetti recipe, blending tangy cheese with zesty citrus notes. Creamy pasta promises a quick weeknight dinner that brings Mediterranean sunshine directly to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken cutlets
• 8 oz (226 g) thin spaghetti (like Barilla whole grain)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
• ¼ cup minced garlic
• 1 can (14 oz/414 ml) chicken broth
• ¼ cup white wine (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Sea or kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour, shaking off excess.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Cook chicken until golden and thoroughly done, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a holding plate and cover with foil.
3. Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic with a touch of salt until fragrant and slightly golden, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Liquid Development: Pour chicken broth and white wine into the skillet. Simmer and reduce sauce for 7-8 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring intermittently.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Remove skillet from heat and incorporate fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pasta Preparation: Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving some cooking liquid for sauce consistency.
7. Assembly: Combine pasta with prepared sauce, folding in Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water to create a smooth, creamy texture.
8. Finishing: Slice chicken into strips and arrange over sauced spaghetti. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Flour Coating Tip: Shake off excess flour to prevent a heavy, pasty texture on chicken and ensure a light, crispy exterior.
• Chicken Cooking Technique: Use medium heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning, ensuring even cooking and locking in moisture.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Reduce sauce slowly to concentrate flavors and create a silky, clingy texture that perfectly coats pasta.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to help sauce adhere to noodles and create a creamy, luxurious finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg