Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese Sauce
Try this Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese Sauce recipe.
Try this Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese Sauce recipe.
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped basil
- 1 1/2 cups skim milk
- 1 tablespoonâ extra virgin olive oil
- 12 oz of high fiber macaroni pasta (i used barilla plus
- 1/2 teaspoonâ finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoonâ dried oregano
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bit sized pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped canned artichoke hearts packed in brine without oil
- 2 oz sun dried tomatoes dry packaged and julienne cut (i used california sun dry brand but have also used bella sun luci)
- 12 calamata olives pitted and sliced
- 1 tablespoonâ chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoonâ light butter
- 2 tablespoonâ flour
- 1/2 teaspoonâ salt
- 1/4 teaspoonâ black pepper
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoonâ garlic hummus
- Carbohydrate 6.88507803836833 g
- Cholesterol 46.4197346045 mg
- Fat 4.01486847369083 g
- Fiber 0.880506181831974 g
- Protein 17.6981306352325 g
- Saturated Fat 2.38996221640617 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1 ¼ cup) serving (167g)
- Sodium 367.478804530083 mg
- Sugar 6.00457185653636 g
- Trans Fat 0.417395288052167 g
- Calories 135 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring water to boil in a large pot and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and place in a large bowl.
- While the water is boiling, bring the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the garlic, ½ t basil, oregano and rosemary and stir into oil. Cook for about a minute until garlic is fragrant.
- Add the chicken to the pan and stir to coat chicken with the oil and herbs. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked completely through.
- Add the chicken and any remaining oil in the pan to the large bowl containing the pasta and toss together.
- Add the artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and tablespoon of basil to the pasta and toss again until ingredients are combined and set aside.
- Melt the butter over low heat in a medium saucepan. When butter is melted, add flour and stir together for about one minute.
- Add the milk in slowly, whisking ingredients together until flour clumps are thoroughly mixed in.
- Raise heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer for a minute or so until thickened and stir.
- Add in the feta cheese and hummus. Continue to whisk ingredients until feta is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture in the large bowl and stir together until well combined.
A Taste of the Mediterranean: My Simple Feta Pasta Recipe
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present pressure to get dinner on the table without resorting to takeout. But even amidst the chaos, I crave flavorful, satisfying meals that nourish both my body and soul. That's where this Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese Sauce recipe comes in. It’s a lifesaver – quick, easy, and bursting with the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's not about complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Instead, it’s about layering simple, fresh flavors to create a dish that is both comforting and exciting. The creamy feta cheese sauce is the star, offering a rich and tangy counterpoint to the bright, herbaceous notes of the basil, oregano, and rosemary. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts adds a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to every bite. And the protein-packed chicken ensures a satisfying and filling meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
I love the versatility of this dish. It's easily adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different types of pasta – rotini, penne, or even whole wheat pasta would all work beautifully. You can also adjust the amount of feta cheese to your liking. If you’re a feta fanatic like me, feel free to add a little extra! And don't be afraid to get creative with your herbs and vegetables. A handful of spinach, some chopped zucchini, or even roasted red peppers would add delicious depth of flavor and nutritional value.
This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a mini-vacation for your taste buds. The vibrant flavors transport me to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores, where I imagine myself leisurely enjoying a delicious pasta dish on a charming patio overlooking the sea. Okay, maybe that’s a little wishful thinking on a Tuesday night after soccer practice! But the taste is definitely close enough. It’s a reminder that even amidst the everyday chaos, a little bit of culinary escapism can be incredibly nourishing. This recipe is my little piece of the Mediterranean, bringing a touch of sunshine and flavor to my often-hectic weeknights.
This Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese Sauce recipe is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of simple ingredients and effortless flavor. It's a testament to the power of fresh, high-quality ingredients working in harmony to create something truly special. And most importantly, it's a dish that the whole family will love. So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious weeknight meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed. It's the perfect blend of comfort food and culinary adventure, a testament to the idea that simple can be truly extraordinary. The vibrant flavors and textures will leave you feeling satisfied and energized, ready to conquer whatever the day throws your way. This isn’t just a pasta dish; it's a testament to the power of good food to make even the busiest days feel a little brighter.
Beyond its deliciousness and convenience, this recipe also reflects my commitment to healthy eating. I use high-fiber pasta, lean chicken breast, and plenty of fresh vegetables to create a well-rounded and nutritious meal. It's a perfect example of how delicious and healthy eating can coexist, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. It’s a small act of self-care, a way to nourish myself and my family with food that is both satisfying and wholesome. And that, to me, is the ultimate reward.
So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or just someone who appreciates a quick and easy meal that doesn't compromise on taste, I urge you to give this Mediterranean Pasta with Feta Cheese Sauce recipe a try. It's a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to meal that I know I can always rely on to deliver delicious results without the stress and hassle. It's a reminder that even the simplest of meals can be extraordinary, a small act of culinary magic that brightens even the most ordinary of days. And isn't that what cooking should be all about?
