Simple and quick, this Lemon Linguine with Chicken, Swiss Chard & Feta is perfect for busy weeknights!
When you’re craving flavor-packed lemon pasta, which comes together quickly and can serve as a light supper all on its own – here you go!
Chances are you have most everything you need:
- Linguine
- Chicken breast
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Swiss chard or baby spinach
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemons
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
I originally had the idea to add baby spinach to my lemon pasta, but I couldn’t resist this gorgeous Swiss chard that called to me from across the aisle. Its gorgeous deep green shiny leaves, seemingly waving to me, caught my eye and prompted the immediate return of my spinach to make room for the chard. What I have since learned about this emerald leaf is that Swiss chard is a powerhouse of nutrition! An excellent source of Vitamins K, A and C – it’s as healthy as it is pretty!
SUCH A SIMPLE DISH TO PULL TOGETHER:
- Cook linguine in a large pot according to package directions (minus a couple minutes of cook time for the pasta to be al dente).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add chicken, salt and pepper and sauté until cooked.
- Add a little pasta water and Swiss chard to the pan with the chicken. Toss until Swiss chard is wilted, about 1 minute.
- Return linguine to the sauté pan. Add the feta and lemon juice. Toss the mixture until the feta cheese begins to melt, then season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm.
COOK’S NOTES ABOUT LEMON LINGUINE WITH CHICKEN, SWISS CHARD & FETA:
- One thing I love about pasta recipes is that they’re versatile. You can exchange the linguine for fettuccine, the Swiss chard for spinach, and the feta for Ricotta Salata.
- Feel free to add as much or as little of the lemon juice and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- If you’ve ever steamed green leafy vegetables then you know they cook down considerably! In their precooked form, it appears like you have too much – you don’t! Two large bunches of Swiss chard will do you fine in this recipe. (Or more!)
- Adding crusty Italian bread and a glass of white wine make for perfect complements to this delicious dish.
If this recipe appeals to you and you decide to give it a whirl – I’d love your feedback and photos! Tag @ciaochowbambina on Instagram, or share to my Pinterest and Facebook page!
MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES WITH FETA:
Roasted Beetroot with Feta and Balsamic Vinegar
Snapdragon Apple, Walnut & Chicken Spinach Salad with Feta & Cranberry
Roasted Red Onions with Walnut Salsa & Feta Salad
BUON APPETITO!
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Lemon Linguine with Chicken, Swiss Chard & Feta
Description
12 oz. linguine
1 lb. chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp. olive oil
8 – 10 oz. Swiss chard leaves or baby spinach
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Juice from 2 lemons
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
Ingredients
Cook linguine in a large pot according to package directions (minus a couple minutes of cook time for the pasta to be al dente).
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add chicken, salt and pepper and sauté until cooked.
Add a little pasta water and Swiss chard to the pan with the chicken. Toss until Swiss chard is wilted, about 1 minute.
Return linguine to the sauté pan. Add the feta and lemon juice. Toss the mixture until the feta cheese begins to melt, then season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
Serve warm.
My lips are puckering just looking at this Annie! I love how you’ve used Swiss Chard here and it’s SO fabulous with the flavors you’ve chosen. This is pure comfort food!
Nothin’ but comfort! Thank you, my friend!
Could totally go for a big plate of this pasta dish today! You’ve added in such flavorful and tasty ingredients to make this pasta dish extra special!
Thanks, Kevin! A nice quick weeknight meal or Sunday dinner!
I always look forward to the creative pasta dishes you concoct, Annie! Love the earthy swiss chard, salty feta and the brightness of lemon!
Awh, thanks, pal! It’s so easy to make a good pasta dish! 🙂
This looks wonderful, Annie! Anything with lemon is my favorite; add pasta and I can’t resist!
Pasta and lemon work so well together! Thanks, Kelsie!
You are my go-to blogger when it comes to a delicious pasta dish! This dish definitely needs to happen this week. We love our pasta, and I love throwing greens in my pasta dishes!!
Well that is the sweetest! Thanks for your kind words, my friend!
Love healthy, easy pasta dishes like this, Annie! This is my kind of week night dinner – add a big glass of wine and a salad and you’ve got the perfect meal! I just planted some swiss chard – so will need to try this out when they are ready. Delicious!
Awh! I love that! I need a garden! Thank you, dear!
I just want to stick my fork right into my computer screen and grab a bit of this 🙂 Lemon pasta is such a favourite and I love the chard and feta here. Perfect!
Wish I could have sent you some last week… Thank you, friend!
I am a huge fan of Swiss chard, weather sauteed or stuffed (like vine leaves) and an even bigger fan of feta…And the idea of lemon linguine on its own is delightful so this combination is perfect for me! So many different tastes and aromas, I bet the flavors can change anyone’s mood for the better!
Indeed a mood changer! Thanks, friend!
I love everything about this from the dish itself, the flavors, the styling, coloring, photos and lets not forget that salt and pepper dish 🙂 . I love fresh and simple flavored pasta like this and I think you did right using swiss chard over spinach. Pinned. Take care.
We must never forget the salt and pepper dish! Thanks for noticing!:) So happy you like!
Annie, this linguine looks so delicious and full of flavor! The swiss chard is gorgeous and goes so perfectly with the feta. Yum!
It’s a nice combination! Thanks you, Kelly!
I’m absolutely loving the flavor combination in this dish Annie! Such a wonderful dinner for those busy weeknights! Easy, satisfying and just plain delish! Pinned!
We can’t deny the delish-factor of this dish!! Thanks, friend!
What a great idea to add feta to this pasta dish! It has such amazing flavor and would be perfect with the chicken.
I adore feta! Thank you, Kathy!
No matter what kind of green you used here, it’s absolutely delish! Love the flavours with feta and lemon too! And chili flakes are not optional in my opinion 😉 Love that spicy bite! Happy Monday! XOXO
So true! You can’t miss with any of the greens! And give me all the spice! 😉 Thanks, friend! XOXO
I’m feeling some spring vibes from this delicious looking pasta dish! Love swiss chard, and the pairing with feta sounds perfect! I would also love to enjoy this with crusty bread and wine! Happy Monday Annie!
Let’s hear it for spring vibes! ‘Tis a lovely combination of bright flavors! Thanks, friend!! 🙂