Description
This Chicken Feta Pasta brings together tender chicken, tangy feta cheese, and juicy tomatoes for a creamy, flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal anytime, it’s easy to prepare yet tastes like a gourmet treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
- 8 ounces feta cheese (block preferred)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli work great)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the feta and tomatoes:
- In a baking dish, place the block of feta in the center. Surround it with cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Prepare and add the chicken:
- Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano (if using).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes until lightly browned (it doesn’t have to be fully cooked yet).
- Transfer the chicken into the baking dish around the feta and tomatoes.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns slightly golden.
- Cook the pasta:
- While the feta and chicken bake, boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine everything:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta, minced garlic, and a splash of reserved pasta water (as needed for a creamy consistency). Stir gently until all ingredients are combined.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Top with fresh basil and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers to the dish before baking.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit your dietary preferences.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, sauté the garlic with the chicken instead of adding it raw at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Chicken Feta Pasta, Baked Feta Chicken Pasta, Greek-Inspired Pasta, Creamy Chicken Feta Dish, Quick Dinner Recipe