There’s something about fall that makes you crave comfort in a bowl, something warm, nourishing, and filled with flavor. That’s exactly what this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Gluten Free recipe delivers. For me, it brings back memories of late Tuscan evenings: grilled chicken sizzling on the stove, pasta boiling beside it, and the scent of olives, garlic, and herbs filling the kitchen.
As someone who had to give up wheat, I thought dishes like this were lost to me forever. But gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up, it means cooking with creativity and purpose. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this recipe a success, from ingredients and instructions to helpful tips, delicious variations, and smart storage. Whether you’re a home cook or a beginner trying something new, this Mediterranean comfort bowl is your perfect place to start.
Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Gluten Free
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta penne, fusilli, or spaghetti
- 1 lb chicken breast diced or thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 zucchini sliced into half-moons
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.25 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp dried basil
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- 0.5 lemon juice of
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic, red bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes for 4–5 minutes, until vegetables soften and garlic is fragrant.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, and lemon juice. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss everything to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick look at the flavorful, wholesome ingredients in this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Gluten Free recipe:
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced or thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to choose a certified gluten-free pasta brand that works best for your texture preference.
Tip: For a one-pan alternative packed with similar flavor, check out my Lemon Herb Gluten-Free Chicken Skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to bring this beautiful dish together in under 30 minutes:
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ¼ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano. Sauté until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until veggies soften and garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Combine everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the olives, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and lemon juice. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the flavors marry.
5. Finish and garnish
Top with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
For more gluten-free chicken dishes that come together easily, try my Quick Gluten-Free Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook gluten-free pasta: It can go from al dente to mushy fast. Taste test early.
- Sear the chicken well: Browning adds flavor and locks in moisture.
- Balance the salt: Olives and feta are salty. Adjust seasoning at the end.
Looking for other balanced meals with simple steps? You’ll love my Gluten-Free Chicken Dinner Recipes guide for more crowd-pleasers.
Delicious Variations
There are so many ways to make this recipe your own:
- Dairy-Free: Omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for chickpeas or grilled eggplant.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Pasta Swap: Try it with gluten-free orzo or rice pasta for a fun twist.
Want more pasta inspiration? My Easy Gluten-Free Pesto Pasta is another great weeknight option.
Storage and Meal Prep
This dish is meal-prep friendly and holds up well for a few days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave gently with a splash of water or lemon juice.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggie mix (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
If you’re prepping ahead, you might also enjoy my Greek Chicken Bowls with Brown Rice for weekday lunch ideas.
Why Readers Love It
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Gluten Free is a fan-favorite because:
- It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with fresh vegetables.
- You can cook it all in one pan with minimal cleanup.
- It brings cozy Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Craving more hearty comfort? Try this warming Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup, another reader favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just reduce cook time in the skillet.
Which gluten-free pasta holds up best?
Brown rice, corn, or chickpea-based pasta works well for this dish. Always cook to just al dente.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
The core recipe is dairy-free unless you add feta. For a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based one.
Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely. Just omit the chicken and use chickpeas or tofu. The bold Mediterranean flavors still shine.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Gluten Free is everything a comforting fall dinner should be: bright, balanced, and bursting with flavor. It’s proof that gluten-free cooking can be both easy and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or yourself, this dish brings everyone to the table.
If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy my Gluten-Free One Pot Chicken Rice.