Chicken Feta Pasta is an easy 30-minute pasta dish with chicken, feta cheese, bacon, pine nuts and cherry tomatoes. Serve it hot or cold—perfect for meal prep, summer lunches, or quick dinners. A light, zesty dish made with seasoned chicken and simple ingredients.

Chicken Feta Pasta

Looking for a quick, healthy meal that’s super easy to make and packed with flavor? This Chicken Pasta with Feta, Bacon, and Pine Nuts is the answer! Whether you’re in a rush or prepping for the week, this recipe has you covered. And the best part? You can enjoy it hot or cold, making it perfect for any time of day.

Looking for more easy pasta salads? Try my Tequila Lime Chicken with Tomato Corn Salad, my Lemon Chickpea Feta Salad and my Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Fast & Easy: You can make this dish in just 30 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout!
• Healthy: Packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the pine nuts and feta, and vitamins from fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, lemon and basil.
• Customizable: Not a fan of feta or tomatoes? No problem! I’ll show you some easy swaps and variations to fit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week—hot or cold!

What’s in This Feta Pasta Salad?

Let’s talk about why each ingredient is a winner:

• Chicken: A lean protein that helps build muscle and keeps you full longer. It’s also super versatile and takes just minutes to cook.
• Feta Cheese: Feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor that makes this dish shine. It’s a great source of calcium and protein. (Not a fan of feta? Keep reading for swaps!)
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little tomatoes are bursting with antioxidants, like vitamin C, and add a juicy pop to every bite. They’re also low in calories, making them a great addition to any meal.
• Pasta: The base of this dish, pasta is comforting and filling while giving you a source of energy. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for extra health benefits!
• Pine nuts: Add a crunchy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy feta and savory chicken.
• Red onion: Diced for a touch of sharpness and sweetness to balance the dish.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed for a bright, zesty kick that enhances the flavors of the pasta.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, herby note that brings everything together for a deliciously fresh finish.
• Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon adds a smoky crunch that elevates the dish with its rich flavor.

Pasta with Chicken, Feta Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, and Toasted Pine Nuts

Boil the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/75°C). Once done, remove from the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then slice it in approximately 1/2 inch slices.

Chop the Fresh Veggies:
Dice the red onion, thin dice fresh basil and dice the garlic. Set aside.

Cook the Bacon:
In a separate pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

Toast the Pine Nuts: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add the pine nuts over medium heat. Toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from pan and set aside.

Add the Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil to the pan used for the pine nuts and then the diced garlic, stir and cook for approximately 1 minute or until fragrant. Add your cooked pasta and toss to combine.

Assemble the Dish:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil and toasted pine nuts. Add the feta and gently combine.

Dress the Pasta:
Drizzle the pasta mixture with olive oil and lemon juice. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:
Serve the pasta warm, or refrigerate it for a cold option later. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner, lunch, or meal prep!

How to Cook the Chicken:

Here are three easy ways to cook the chicken breasts to go with this dish, depending on your equipment and preferences:

1. Air Fryer Method (Super Quick & Crispy)

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning works great!).
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• When done, the chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

2. Oven Method (For Juicy Chicken)

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
• Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C) and juices run clear.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Stovetop Method (Quick & Flavorful)

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken breasts with your preferred spices.
• Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (165°F/75°C).
• Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

How to Cook the Bacon:

Here are three easy ways to cook the bacon to go with this dish, depending on your equipment and preferences:

• Stovetop Method:
  Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until crispy. Remove and crumble into pieces.
• Oven Method (Perfect for crisp, even bacon):
  Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through. Once done, crumble the bacon.
• Microwave Method (Quick & easy):
  Place a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. Lay the bacon slices on top and cover with another paper towel. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, or until crispy. Crumble the bacon into pieces.

Set the bacon aside.

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Ingredient Alternatives:

Don’t have feta or tomatoes? No problem! Here are some easy swaps:

• Feta Cheese Alternatives:
  • Try goat cheese for a creamier, milder flavor.
  • Parmesan can also work if you prefer a sharper, less tangy taste.
  • Or use a vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free!
• Tomato Alternatives:
  • Swap cherry tomatoes for cucumber for a cool, refreshing crunch.
  • Roasted bell peppers add a sweet, smoky flavor.
  • If you love olives, toss in some green or Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist!

How to Customize This Recipe:

Want to switch things up a bit? Here are a few fun variations you can try:

• Add olives or artichokes for more Mediterranean flavors.
• Toss in some spinach or arugula for extra greens.
• Spice it up with some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it even heartier by adding some avocado or chickpeas for a boost of healthy fats and fiber.
• Not a fan of dressing this pasta salad with lemon? Leave it off and simply finish off this pasta with feta cheese and tomatoes using just olive oil instead.
• For a vegan version: Skip the chicken and bacon, and use tofu or chickpeas as your protein. Try vegan feta for the cheese.
• For a gluten-free option: Swap the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta.

Tips for Making This Recipe a Success:

1. Cook the chicken well: Make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through. A good rule of thumb is to cook it until it reaches 165°F (75°C) inside.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta: Follow the package instructions and be sure to drain the pasta right when it’s al dente. Overcooking can make it mushy!
3. Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your veggies, the better the flavor! Make sure your tomatoes and cucumbers are crisp and ripe.
4. Mixing in the cheese: This might just be a food blogger thing but I like my dishes to be served up pretty. Mix in your feta cheese almost last. If serving this dish hot, the heat will melt your cheese a bit so adding it towards the end keeps it looking fresh and clean. .. again, might just be a food blogger thing 🙂
5. Add the dressing last: If you’re meal prepping, keep the dressing on the side until you’re ready to eat. This helps keep everything fresh.
6. Seasoning: Season your chicken with what YOU like! For the sake of this recipe, I wrote it using salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning but if you have a favorite chicken seasoning, go for it!

Storage and Meal Prep:

• This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing on the side if you’re meal prepping to maintain the freshness of the veggies.
• To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Ready to Try It?

Now that you know how easy and healthy this recipe is, it’s time to get cooking! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. And with all the ingredient swaps and variations, you can make it your own!

I hope you enjoy this easy Chicken Feta Pasta recipe! Let me know how it turns out, or if you try any fun variations—I’d love to hear from you!