Athenian Pasta and Chicken 🍝🍗
Athenian Pasta and Chicken is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the rich flavors of pasta, chicken, and a variety of herbs and spices. This dish doesn’t have a long, ancient history but is a modern fusion creation that draws inspiration from Greek and Italian cuisines. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it is, its components, preparation steps, and the estimated time needed to prepare it:
What is Athenian Pasta and Chicken?
Athenian Pasta and Chicken is a pasta-based dish featuring tender chicken pieces, feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a medley of Mediterranean herbs and spices. The combination of these ingredients results in a harmonious blend of flavors, ranging from tangy to savory, making it a delicious and comforting meal.
Components:
- Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
- Pasta (usually penne or fettuccine)
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh spinach
- Lemon juice
- Fresh basil and oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
Steps to Prepare Athenian Pasta and Chicken:
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a dash of olive oil. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside.
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Sauté the Garlic and Herbs: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add more olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute or until fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.
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Assemble the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a generous sprinkling of fresh basil and oregano. Squeeze some lemon juice over the mixture and season with red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
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Combine with Pasta: Gently toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and other ingredients. Make sure everything is well mixed and heated through.
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Serve: Plate your Athenian Pasta and Chicken, garnishing with additional herbs or feta cheese if desired. 🍽️
Estimated Preparation Time:
The total time to prepare Athenian Pasta and Chicken is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on your cooking skills and the type of pasta you choose. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward dish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Enjoy your homemade Athenian Pasta and Chicken! 🇬🇷🇮🇹😋
Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information for Athenian Pasta and Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Sugars: 3-5 grams
- Total Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
- Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
- Sodium: 600-700 mg
- Potassium: 400-500 mg
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
- Vitamin C: 15-20% of daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 15-20% of daily recommended intake
- Iron: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
Health Information:
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Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle development and overall body function.
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Carbohydrates: The pasta in this dish provides carbohydrates, which are a primary source of energy for the body.
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Dietary Fiber: The dish contains some dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
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Healthy Fats: The dish contains heart-healthy fats from olive oil, and the feta cheese provides some healthy fats as well.
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Vitamins and Minerals: This dish includes vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These are important for various bodily functions, including immune support, bone health, and skin health.
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Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, as olives, feta cheese, and any added salt can contribute to the overall sodium levels in the dish. High sodium intake should be moderated for those with certain health conditions.
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Caloric Content: The calorie count may vary depending on portion size and ingredients used. It’s a moderately calorie-dense dish, so portion control can be important if you are watching your calorie intake.
Keep in mind that the specific nutrition facts may vary based on the brand of ingredients used and portion sizes. Additionally, if you have specific dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary guidance.
