Description
This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps is a weeknight dinner hero. Juicy marinated chicken meets rich, creamy harissa-spiked feta sauce over rigatoni, finished with crisp roasted asparagus for a golden crunch. It’s bold, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons harissa paste
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound asparagus, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil (for asparagus)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, zest, oregano, and garlic. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
2. Grill or sear chicken over medium heat until fully cooked and golden. Let rest, then slice.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sliced asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until crisp.
4. Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
5. In a skillet, sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil. Add harissa paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in feta and cream. Whisk until smooth.
6. Add a splash of pasta water to thin sauce as needed. Taste and season.
7. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Let it simmer for a minute to absorb flavor.
8. Plate pasta with sliced chicken and top with crispy asparagus. Garnish with parsley or dill.
Notes
For extra crispy asparagus, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Use pre-cooked grilled chicken for a faster prep.
Adjust the harissa amount depending on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, feta, harissa, asparagus, Greek dinner