Sun-Kissed Chicken & Feta Pasta

This meal was a collaborative effort, with our digital partner helping us navigate the supermarket shelves to find the most flavorful, budget-friendly ingredients. The result is a dish that’s both nourishing and easy to make, proving that an AI partnership is a seamless way to bring creative ideas to life.

A quiet evening settled over the kitchen,

a gentle farewell to the last hot night of the season. After a long, preoccupied day, the idea of a complicated meal felt like a hurdle too high. This recipe is a testament to how fast, simple meals can also feel wonderfully fresh and vibrant. Inspired by the bright flavors of the Mediterranean, this pasta brings together lean, seared chicken with a medley of tender greens, all tossed in a light, zesty sauce and finished with the briny, creamy kick of feta cheese.

Beyond its straightforward preparation, this meal is a celebration of nutrient-rich simplicity. At its heart, the chicken provides a high-quality source of protein, essential for keeping you energized. The gluten-free fusilli adds a boost of fiber and carbs, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. The leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, while the feta cheese provides a touch of calcium and protein. It's a well-rounded, colorful, and delicious meal that proves healthy eating doesn't have to be a chore.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 large chicken breast, cubed or sliced

  • 4 ounces gluten-free fusilli

  • 1 large handful of spinach or kale

  • 1/2 heirloom tomato, chopped

  • Fresh basil, a few leaves, roughly torn

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

  • Calories: ~450-500

  • Carbohydrates: ~42g

  • Protein: ~35-40g

  • Fiber: ~6-8g

Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free fusilli and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving about a half-cup of the pasta water. This is an efficient use of your time.

  2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Move with purpose.

  3. Combine & Sauté: Add the spinach to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the greens are wilted. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.

  4. Sauce & Finish: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat.

  5. Serve & Garnish: Stir in the fresh tomato and basil. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the pasta and serve immediately.

Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based protein.

  1. Add-ins: For more flavor and texture, you can add chopped bell peppers or onions to the skillet along with the chicken.

  2. Storage: This meal is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.