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

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This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps is anything but your average pasta dish. It pulls together the bright, herbaceous flavors of the Mediterranean with the deep, spicy heat of North Africa for something truly irresistible. Imagine tender chicken marinated in lemon and oregano, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and wrapped in a creamy harissa and feta sauce that clings to every bite.

It doesn’t stop there. Crispy roasted asparagus spears, lightly charred for that smoky finish, top the dish like savory confetti. Every mouthful has a punch of spice, a cool creaminess, a touch of brightness, and that satisfying pasta base. This is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but balanced, bold but approachable.

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta

If you’re someone who loves both comfort food and a little kick, this pasta dish is your new best friend. The creamy feta harissa sauce alone is enough to win over a crowd, but pair that with citrusy Greek-marinated chicken and roasted vegetables, and you have a showstopper. It also reheats like a dream, making it a meal-prep hero.

This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, weekend indulgence, or impressing guests with minimal effort. It feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to put together. The layers of flavor will have everyone going back for seconds.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne and rigatoni work beautifully here, as their ridges catch all that luscious sauce. But don’t feel limited. Fusilli, farfalle, or even a hearty spaghetti can hold up well, especially when paired with the robust flavors in this dish. Just avoid overly delicate pastas like angel hair, which might get lost under the bold sauce and toppings.

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

This dish may sound complex, but the ingredients come together with a Mediterranean harmony. Each one plays a vital role in layering flavors and textures—from creamy to spicy, tangy to savory.

• Chicken breasts
• Lemon juice
• Garlic cloves
• Dried oregano
• Olive oil
• Harissa paste
• Feta cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Pasta of choice
• Asparagus spears
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper

How To Make the Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken breasts in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roast the Asparagus

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lay the asparagus spears on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 12-15 minutes until crisp and slightly charred.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil your chosen pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve a cup of the pasta water.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Sear the marinated chicken breasts in a hot skillet until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice into strips.

Step 5: Make the Harissa Feta Cream

Blend feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and harissa paste until smooth. Add a bit of reserved pasta water for a silky texture.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Toss the cooked pasta with the harissa feta cream until evenly coated. Add the sliced chicken, top with roasted asparagus crisps, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serve warm and enjoy the bold, spicy, creamy brilliance in every bite.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this dish is simple to assemble, a few small missteps can hold back the flavors from truly shining. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken—Greek marinated chicken stays juicy when cooked just until done. Also, don’t skip the pasta water; it helps emulsify the sauce and creates that luxurious coating. When blending the harissa feta cream, make sure the feta is at room temperature so the texture is silky, not grainy.

Another detail that makes a difference? Don’t over-roast the asparagus. You want it crispy and browned, not limp or bitter. Keep an eye on the oven for that perfect roasted edge.

How to Serve and Store This Dish

This pasta is best served warm, right after everything is tossed together. It feeds about 4 people generously, making it a great option for family dinners or casual gatherings. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta reheats beautifully—just add a splash of water before microwaving to revive the sauce.

To keep the asparagus crisp, store it separately if possible and reheat it in a skillet or toaster oven rather than the microwave.

What to Serve With Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta?

Toasted Garlic Pita Bread

Perfect for scooping up any leftover harissa cream sauce on your plate.

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

A cool and refreshing side that balances the spice with creamy tanginess.

Lemon Roasted Potatoes

The citrus and herbs echo the marinade in the chicken, enhancing each bite.

Marinated Olives

Salty and briny, they add a delightful contrast.

Hummus and Crudites

Keep the Mediterranean theme going with a creamy dip and crisp veggies.

Sparkling Lemon Water

A bubbly, bright drink that cleanses the palate between bites.

Greek Mezze Platter

Load up a board with dolmas, tzatziki, and fresh veggies for a colorful spread.

Crispy Chickpeas

They add crunch and are surprisingly addictive sprinkled over the pasta too!

Want More Pasta Ideas Bursting with Flavor?

If you love this Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream, then you’re in for a treat with these other bold and creamy pasta creations from Nina Dishes:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts when you’re craving velvety garlic-rich goodness.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a sun-dried tomato and spinach twist.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s rich, romantic, and ultra-satisfying.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach when you want seafood to shine.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini full of parmesan bliss and easy weeknight comfort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go big with the harissa or tone it down? Did you crisp the asparagus or switch it up with another veggie?

I love seeing your takes on these recipes. Questions are welcome too – we’re all learning to cook better, one delicious dish at a time.

Explore more beautifully curated health-boosting dinners on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite meal.

Conclusion

This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps is the kind of recipe that transforms any meal into a Mediterranean-inspired experience. With its bold flavors, creamy-spicy sauce, and savory veggie crunch, it hits every craving at once. Simple to make but layered in taste, it’s perfect for spicing up your dinner rotation without any extra fuss.

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