Baked Feta Pasta With Chicken
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and satisfies your cravings for comfort food, Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken is the answer. This viral recipe, originally loved for its creamy, tangy feta base, gets a protein-packed twist with the addition of tender chicken. Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests, this dish is as simple as it is delicious. Let’s explore how you can create this delightful recipe!
Equipment
- Large Baking Dish: For roasting the feta, tomatoes, and chicken
- Mixing Spoon or Fork: To mash the feta and mix the pasta
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta
- Sharp Knife: To cube the chicken
- Cutting Board: For prepping ingredients
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- Feta Cheese: One block about 8 oz of high-quality feta for creaminess and tang
- Cherry Tomatoes: 2 pints of sweet and juicy cherry or grape tomatoes
- Chicken Breasts: 2-3 medium-sized chicken breasts cubed or shredded
- Pasta: 12 oz of your favorite pasta penne, rotini, or spaghetti work well
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup for roasting and flavoring
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves minced or thinly sliced
- Salt and Pepper: To season the dish
Optional Add-Ins:
- Fresh Basil: For garnish and an extra layer of flavor
- Red Pepper Flakes: To add a subtle heat
- Spinach or Kale: For added greens and nutrition
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle for added richness
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Assemble the Baking Dish:
- In a large baking dish, place the block of feta in the center.
- Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes and garlic. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Add the Chicken:
- Scatter the seasoned chicken pieces around the feta and tomatoes in the dish.
Bake:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are soft and bursting.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the feta and chicken bake, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Mix Everything Together:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork or spoon, mash the feta and roasted tomatoes into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the dish, stirring everything together until fully coated.
Garnish and Serve:
- Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use High-Quality Feta: Opt for a block of feta in brine for maximum creaminess and flavor. Crumbled feta doesn’t melt as well.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Experiment with Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Season Generously: Salt and pepper the chicken and tomatoes well for a flavor-packed dish.