Pasta With Grilled Chicken, Goat Cheese, Spinach And Sun-Dried
A flavorful pasta dish featuring tender grilled chicken, tangy goat cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 lb. boned and skinned chicken breasts ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. uncooked medium pasta ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 medium cloves garlic ⓘ
- 3 c. packed shredded spinach leaves ⓘ
- 1 c. packed, drained sun-dried tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh goat cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons olive oil with lemon juice, dried basil, and dried oregano.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turn to coat evenly, and marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill or broiler.
- Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Grill or broil the marinated chicken until cooked through, then let rest before slicing.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant.
- Add the shredded spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta.
- Slice the grilled chicken and add to the pasta mixture.
- Add chunks of goat cheese and toss gently to combine before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes if time allows. You can substitute the fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different texture. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of yogurt. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes that include fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra goat cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A side salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the dish nicely. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with grilled vegetables or a light soup, such as Yogurt Soup(Spaas), for a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Grilled Chicken, Goat Cheese, Spinach And Sun-Dried contains roughly 1891 calories, with 60g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (120% of the Daily Value), calcium (117% of the Daily Value), and iron (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with feta or ricotta for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a stronger cheese, try using blue cheese. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the overall taste of the dish.
What can I do to make this dish more filling?
To make this dish more filling, you can add protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or white beans. You could also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a hearty grain such as quinoa or farro for a more substantial meal.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and grill it, then store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and sauté the vegetables, but keep them separate until ready to serve. Mix everything together just before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).