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

Save this recipe on:

Packed with bold Mediterranean flavor, this Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps is your next crave-worthy dinner. It’s a feast for the senses with juicy Greek-marinated chicken, al dente rigatoni coated in smoky harissa sauce, and a creamy whipped feta topping that adds a tangy, spicy finish.

This vibrant dish brings the taste of a sun-kissed Greek island straight to your plate. It’s colorful, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make. The roasted asparagus crisps offer a crunchy, savory twist that balances the richness of the feta and the bold spices in the chicken. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this one checks all the boxes for flavor-packed, easy-to-love meals.

---

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream

This pasta dish is anything but ordinary. It’s layered with flavor: the Greek-marinated chicken is juicy and herby, the harissa cream brings heat and complexity, and the whipped feta cools everything down with a tangy kick. Best of all? It’s weeknight-friendly but tastes restaurant-level.

The textures are also unbeatable—crispy asparagus tips, tender pasta, seared chicken, and a cloud-like creamy topping. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired pasta party on a plate!

---

What Type of Chicken and Pasta Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a top pick for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful. Chicken breasts can also be used if you prefer a leaner cut, just don’t overcook them.

For the pasta, rigatoni is perfect since its grooves hold onto the spicy harissa cream beautifully. Penne or fusilli are also good alternatives. You want a pasta that can stand up to the bold sauce and chunky toppings without getting lost.

---

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

Every component in this dish plays a starring role. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient makes a difference.

• Boneless chicken thighs – These stay juicy and tender with a Greek marinade and bring savory depth to the dish.
• Rigatoni pasta – Sturdy and perfect for soaking up the spicy harissa feta cream.
• Asparagus spears – Roasted until crisp, they add a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Greek yogurt – Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
• Olive oil – Used for both cooking the chicken and roasting the asparagus.
• Harissa paste – This smoky, spicy chili paste is the flavor punch of the sauce.
• Feta cheese – Whipped into the cream for a salty, tangy finish.
• Garlic cloves – Adds warmth and complexity to the chicken and sauce.
• Lemon juice & zest – Brightens the chicken and brings out all the Mediterranean flavors.
• Fresh parsley or dill – Used as a garnish for a fresh herbaceous touch.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.

---

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 Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roast the Asparagus

Preheat oven to 425°F. Trim asparagus ends, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12–15 minutes until crispy-tender.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

In a hot skillet, cook marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Let rest, then slice or cube.

Step 5: Make the Harissa Feta Cream

Blend feta, harissa paste, a touch of olive oil, and a bit of warm pasta water until creamy. Adjust spice level to your preference.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss cooked pasta with a spoonful of harissa cream. Plate with sliced chicken, asparagus, and a generous drizzle of more sauce on top. Garnish with parsley or dill.

---

Serving and Storing Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream

This dish feeds 4 to 5 people, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or a flavorful lunch prep for the next few days. It’s visually stunning and perfect for serving family-style or plating individually for a more elegant meal.

Leftovers store beautifully. Just refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen the sauce.

If possible, store the harissa feta cream separately and add fresh when serving for the best texture.

---

What to Serve With Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta?

The flavors in this dish are bold and lively, so keep the sides light and refreshing.

Greek Salad

A classic blend of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta with olive oil and oregano.

Warm Pita Bread

Perfect for scooping up extra sauce or serving on the side for texture.

Tzatziki Dip

A cool and creamy cucumber yogurt dip that complements the heat of the harissa.

Lemon Rice

Fragrant, light rice with fresh herbs and lemon zest pairs beautifully with the zesty chicken.

Cucumber Mint Water

A cooling drink option that refreshes your palate with every bite.

Charred Peppers

Add some smoky sweetness by grilling or pan-charring red and yellow peppers.

Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy, seasoned chickpeas add crunch and protein to your spread.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the harissa feta cream less spicy?
Absolutely. Start with a smaller amount of harissa paste and taste as you blend. You can also add more feta or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to cool it down.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just skip the marination and searing steps, and warm it before serving.

What if I don’t have rigatoni?
No problem—penne, fusilli, or even bow-tie pasta will work well. Just make sure it holds sauce.

Is the asparagus meant to be soft or crispy?
You’re aiming for tender-crisp. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and gives it some crunch, especially at the tips.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute plant-based feta and yogurt, and use a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

---

Save This Pin For Later

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

Tried it with chicken breast instead of thighs? Added extra spice or used store-bought harissa? I want to hear how you made it your own!

Let’s keep the creativity going and help each other cook better with flavor-packed meals.

Explore more bold and colorful recipe ideas on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest for weeknight inspiration and weekend favorites!

---

Conclusion

Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps brings a Mediterranean explosion of flavor to your dinner table. From the tender marinated chicken to the creamy, fiery sauce and fresh veggie crunch, this dish has it all. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters who love bold food without complicated steps. Give it a try and let this become one of your favorite go-to dinners!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: