Creating Chicken & Olives with Pasta is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned on both sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add Olives and Spices: Stir in the olives, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
7. Return Chicken: Place the chicken back in the skillet. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Combine with Pasta: After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet. Slice it into strips and set aside. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the olive and broth mixture.
9. Finish and Serve: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.