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

Elevate your dinner to a new level with this sophisticated and incredibly flavorful dish! Featuring tender Greek-style lemon-oregano chicken bites, perfectly seared. Alongside, perfectly roasted crispy asparagus tips for a delightful crunch. Everything is sumptuously coated in a rich, velvety pasta (suggesting a short pasta like penne or fusilli, for sauce grip) generously cloaked in an Alfredo sauce boldly infused with a spicy harissa-feta cream for an irresistible tangy and fiery kick.

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

The idea behind this recipe is to bring together the freshness of Greek cuisine, the spiciness of North African harissa, and the richness of Italian Alfredo sauce, all in one dish. The combination may seem unusual, but trust us, it’s a match made in heaven. The zesty lemon-oregano chicken, crispy asparagus, and creamy harissa-feta Alfredo sauce all come together to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

* Pasta: 225g (8 oz) short pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, rigatoni)
* Salt for pasta water
* Zesty Lemon-Oregano Chicken Bites:
+ 450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) bite-sized pieces
+ 1 tbsp olive oil
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 tbsp dried oregano
+ 1 tsp lemon zest
+ 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
+ Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
* Roasted Asparagus Crisps:
+ 225g (½ lb) thin asparagus spears, tough ends trimmed
+ 1 tbsp olive oil
+ ¼ tsp garlic powder
+ Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
* Sauce: Spicy Harissa Feta Cream Alfredo:
+ 170g (6 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
+ 60ml (¼ cup) heavy cream (for whipping feta)
+ 2 tbsp unsalted butter
+ 3 cloves garlic, minced
+ 350ml (1½ cups) heavy cream (for Alfredo base)
+ 120ml (½ cup) chicken or vegetable broth
+ 1-2 tbsp harissa paste (adjust to desired spice level)
+ 120ml (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
+ Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste (feta is salty!)
* Garnish (Optional):
+ Extra fresh lemon zest
+ Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Cooking the Dish

### Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve about 120ml (½ cup) of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

### Step 2: Prepare & Roast Asparagus Crisps

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss the asparagus spears with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until tender and lightly crisped, especially the tips. For extra crispy tips, you can separate them and roast for the last 5-7 minutes. Keep warm.

### Step 3: Prepare & Cook Zesty Lemon-Oregano Chicken Bites

1. While asparagus roasts, season the chicken bites with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned.
3. Reduce heat to low. Add 2 cloves minced garlic, dried oregano, and lemon zest to the chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Keep warm.

### Step 4: Prepare Spicy Harissa Feta Cream Alfredo Sauce

1. Make Harissa Whipped Feta Base: In a food processor or with an immersion blender, combine feta cheese, 60ml (¼ cup) heavy cream, and 1 tbsp harissa paste. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside. (Add more harissa here if you want a bolder spicy-feta flavor).
2. In a separate large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat.
3. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in 350ml (1½ cups) heavy cream (for Alfredo base) and 120ml (½ cup) chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in 120ml (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Stir in the prepared harissa whipped feta cream. Whisk until fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper carefully (feta is salty!). If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp harissa paste if you want more overall heat and color in the sauce.

### Step 5: Combine & Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta to the Spicy Harissa Feta Cream Alfredo sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce. If needed, add a bit more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
2. Gently fold in the zesty lemon-oregano chicken bites with the sauced pasta.
3. Divide the Alfredo pasta and chicken among serving bowls.
4. Top each serving with the roasted crispy asparagus tips.
5. Garnish with extra fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley or dill, if desired.

Tips for Success

To ensure that your Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps turns out perfectly, keep the following tips in mind:

* Harissa Paste: Harissa varies greatly in spice level. Start with 1 tablespoon and taste. You can always add more!
* Feta Quality: Use good quality feta for the best flavor and creamy texture when whipped.
* Pasta Choice: Short, twisted, or ridged pasta shapes are excellent for catching and holding the rich sauce.
* Asparagus Tips: Separating the tips and roasting them for slightly less time or until they’re extra crispy adds a lovely texture.
* Sauce Consistency: The reserved pasta water is your best friend for adjusting the sauce to your perfect desired thickness.

Conclusion

The Zesty Greek Chicken Pasta with Spicy Harissa Feta Cream & Roasted Asparagus Crisps is a truly exceptional dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its bold flavors, creamy sauce, and crispy asparagus, it’s a culinary experience you won’t soon forget. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every bite of this extraordinary, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal!

Yields: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of Greek, Italian, and North African flavors is a true winner, and the best part is that it’s relatively easy to make. So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and spice levels to make it your own. Happy cooking!