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

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When weeknight dinners start to feel dull, this Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps brings a bold burst of flavor and texture to the table. Juicy marinated chicken, al dente pasta, and smoky harissa come together in a creamy feta sauce that is both tangy and fiery. It’s topped with crunchy roasted asparagus crisps that offer just the right contrast to the silky pasta.

Inspired by Mediterranean flavors and elevated with modern spice, this dish is a celebration of color, richness, and freshness. Whether you’re serving guests or just craving something indulgent yet vibrant, it feels like a Mediterranean vacation in a bowl. Plus, the layered textures make every bite more exciting than the last.

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta

This recipe is a flavor-packed twist on comfort food, perfect for when you want something creamy and savory but still crave brightness and heat. The harissa brings that deep chili flavor without overwhelming the palate, while feta cuts through the richness with its briny sharpness. The roasted asparagus crisps don’t just serve as a garnish – they’re a crunchy revelation that you’ll want to eat by the handful.

It’s one of those meals where the sauce clings beautifully to every pasta curl, the chicken is impossibly tender, and every element has purpose. Bonus: it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables in the most craveable way.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Short pastas like rotini, penne, or rigatoni are ideal for this creamy dish. Their ridges and curves hold onto the spicy harissa feta cream beautifully, ensuring each bite delivers the full flavor experience. If you’re going for elegance, try campanelle for its ruffled edges and elegant shape. Avoid delicate pasta types like angel hair, as they can get lost in the boldness of the sauce.

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

To create this stunning pasta dish, each ingredient is chosen to layer flavor and bring out the vibrant Mediterranean essence. From the fiery heat of harissa to the cooling creaminess of feta, every component plays a role. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs – These offer rich flavor and stay juicy, especially when marinated with lemon and herbs.
• Rotini pasta – Its spirals catch all the creamy sauce and bits of chicken for full flavor in every bite.
• Harissa paste – Smoky, spicy, and complex, harissa adds boldness to the cream sauce.
• Feta cheese – Briny and tangy, it brings Greek flair and balances the spice.
• Greek yogurt – Used in the sauce for a velvety texture and light tang.
• Garlic cloves – Aromatic and savory, it infuses the chicken and sauce with depth.
• Olive oil – A staple in Mediterranean cooking, it helps roast the asparagus and marinate the chicken.
• Fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness and enhances the chicken marinade.
• Asparagus spears – Roasted until crisp, these bring texture and a touch of green.
• Smoked paprika – A subtle layer of warmth that plays well with the harissa.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning at every step.

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

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thighs in this marinade and let sit for 30 minutes. Then sear them in a hot skillet until golden brown and fully cooked. Slice into strips.

Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus Crisps

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15 to 18 minutes until crispy. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized crisps.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil rotini in salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Harissa Feta Cream

In a food processor, blend feta, Greek yogurt, harissa paste, garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. Blend until smooth, then adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Toss the hot pasta with the harissa feta cream and reserved pasta water to loosen as needed. Add the sliced chicken and gently fold everything together.

Step 6: Plate and Finish

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls and sprinkle generously with roasted asparagus crisps. Add a few extra crumbles of feta and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta

This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream serves 4 to 6 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or a flavorful weekend lunch. To serve, scoop generous portions into shallow bowls so the creamy sauce can spread and settle. Garnish with extra feta crumbles and a final flourish of asparagus crisps just before serving to keep them crunchy.

For storing, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, so when reheating, stir in a splash of warm water or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to revive the creaminess. Asparagus crisps are best stored separately in a paper towel-lined container to maintain their crunch.

What to Serve With Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta?

Greek Lemon Potatoes

These golden roasted potatoes with fresh lemon and herbs complement the spice of the pasta and double down on Mediterranean flavor.

Classic Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring cooling freshness and a touch of acidity that contrast beautifully with the spicy feta cream.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

If you’re feeding a crowd, these juicy chicken meatballs can serve as a protein-packed starter or a hearty side.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Soft and fluffy naan is perfect for swiping up the harissa feta cream left behind in your bowl.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

A simple yet vibrant veggie side that won’t compete with the bold pasta flavors but adds nutrition and color.

Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach

Serve a smaller portion of the pasta alongside this dish for an ultra-comforting Mediterranean-inspired duo.

Tzatziki Sauce with Pita Chips

Great as an appetizer or light side, it offers a cooling element to balance the spicy harissa heat.

Fresh Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Peppery arugula with a tangy dressing provides a sharp contrast and cuts through the creamy richness of the pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Mediterranean Twist?

If you loved this bold and creamy Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta, you might find these dishes equally irresistible:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta is a go-to when you want something rich but with a garden-fresh touch.
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta blends sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and cream for a comforting weeknight classic.
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta adds Southern flair with smoky sausage and pepper heat.
• One-Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta keeps cleanup simple while delivering full-on flavor.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-packed twist on traditional cream sauces.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go big on the harissa? Did you add kalamata olives or switch the pasta shape?

I love hearing how others personalize these dishes. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook brighter, bolder meals.

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Conclusion

This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream and Roasted Asparagus Crisps isn’t just a recipe – it’s a Mediterranean adventure on a plate. With tangy cheese, warming spices, and textures that play together perfectly, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. Great for casual dinners or sharing with friends, this pasta delivers boldness and beauty in every forkful.

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