Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps

Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps

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Have you ever craved a meal that feels like a vacation on a plate? This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps is a Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish that balances tangy, creamy, and spicy flavors with tender grilled chicken and al dente pasta.

The star of this plate is the vibrant harissa feta cream, which marries smoky heat with rich, salty feta. It clings perfectly to rigatoni, creating a velvety coating that bursts with flavor in every bite. Alongside it, juicy Greek-spiced chicken and crispy roasted asparagus add both freshness and crunch.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

  • Grill pan or cast-iron skillet – for perfectly seared chicken with char marks.
  • Medium saucepan – for gently heating the harissa feta cream.
  • Pasta pot with strainer insert – for easy draining and preventing overcooking.
  • Baking sheet with parchment paper – to crisp asparagus evenly.
  • Sharp chef’s knife – for neat, even slices of chicken.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts
250g rigatoni pasta
150g feta cheese
2 tbsp harissa paste
200ml heavy cream
200g fresh asparagus
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Greek seasoning blend
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

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How to Make It

  1. Marinate & Cook the Chicken – Rub with olive oil and Greek seasoning, grill or sear until golden and fully cooked. Rest before slicing.
  2. Roast the Asparagus – Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) until crisp.
  3. Cook the Pasta – Boil rigatoni until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  4. Make the Harissa Feta Cream – Simmer cream, crumbled feta, and harissa until smooth, thinning with pasta water if needed.
  5. Assemble – Toss pasta with sauce, top with sliced chicken, and serve with asparagus crisps and parsley garnish.

Serving and Storing

Serve immediately for best flavor and texture. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use another pasta shape? Yes, penne or farfalle work well.
  • Is harissa spicy? Medium heat—adjust to taste.
  • Can I make it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and dairy-free feta.
  • How do I keep chicken juicy? Cook to 165°F internal temperature and rest before slicing.
  • Can I prep ahead? Yes, keep components separate until serving.

Want More Mediterranean-Inspired Pasta Ideas?

Try Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, or Roasted Asparagus.


Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

Save this to your Mediterranean boards for later, and follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate. Let me know if you went extra spicy or kept it mild!


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Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps

Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps


  • Author: Julia Koch
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish combining Greek-spiced chicken, creamy harissa feta sauce, and crispy roasted asparagus. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

250 g rigatoni pasta

150 g feta cheese

2 tbsp harissa paste

200 ml heavy cream

200 g fresh asparagus

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp Greek seasoning blend

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Rub chicken with olive oil and Greek seasoning. Grill or sear until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Rest before slicing.

2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until crisp and lightly charred.

3. Cook rigatoni in well-salted water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

4. In a saucepan, gently simmer heavy cream, crumbled feta, and harissa paste until smooth. Thin with reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.

5. Toss pasta with the sauce, top with sliced chicken, add roasted asparagus, and garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Rest the chicken 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Add pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness and help it cling to the pasta.

Roast the asparagus right before serving so it stays crisp.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Pasta, Main Course
  • Method: Grilling, Roasting, Boiling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 640
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 46
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 32
  • Cholesterol: 105

Keywords: Greek chicken pasta, harissa feta pasta, roasted asparagus

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