Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This baked feta pasta with chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. Roasting cherry tomatoes and feta together creates a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with tender, seasoned chicken and pasta.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb Gigli pasta, or your favorite small pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, the riper the better
• 1 bundle thyme sprigs, or basil, rosemary, oregano
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 block feta cheese, about 8 oz
• 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each), seasoned with salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Step 2: In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, thyme sprigs, garlic cloves, block of feta cheese, and seasoned chicken breasts. Drizzle olive oil over everything, then season with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Toss gently to coat all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
4. Step 4: While the dish is baking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
5. Step 5: After 30 minutes, check the chicken temperature. If the chicken is done or nearly done, increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the feta and tomatoes start to brown. Alternatively, finish under a broiler for 3-5 minutes to achieve browning.
6. Step 6: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Take out the chicken breasts, thyme sprigs, and garlic cloves. Add the cooked pasta and crushed red pepper flakes to the baking dish, stirring until the feta breaks up and creates a creamy sauce.
7. Step 7: Shred the chicken by hand or in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, adding the roasted garlic cloves to evenly distribute their flavor. Return the shredded chicken to the dish and stir to combine everything.
8. Step 8: Finish the dish with chopped fresh chives and extra crumbles of feta. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute thyme with fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal note.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version, adding it after baking the feta and tomatoes.
• Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrition.
• If you prefer spice, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work well with the creamy baked feta sauce.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check.

Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken Recipe

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This Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken is a creamy, delicious one-dish meal that combines juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy baked feta, and tender seasoned chicken breasts with your favorite pasta. Baked in the oven to melt the feta and roast the tomatoes, then combined with pasta and shredded chicken, it creates a rich and flavorful dinner perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta & Baking Ingredients

• 1/2 lb Gigli Pasta, or your favorite small pasta
• 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, the riper the better
• 1 bundle Thyme sprigs, or basil, rosemary, oregano
• 2 cloves fresh Garlic
• 1 block Feta Cheese, about 8 oz
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Kosher Salt, to taste
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

Chicken

• 2, 6 oz Chicken Breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Add the cherry tomatoes, thyme sprigs, garlic cloves, block of feta cheese, and the seasoned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Drizzle 1/2 cup of olive oil evenly over everything, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently to coat all ingredients with oil and seasoning.
3. Bake Initial Stage: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
4. Cook Pasta: While the dish bakes, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
5. Finish Baking: After the initial baking time, check the chicken for doneness. If the chicken is done or nearly done, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the feta and tomatoes develop a nice browned appearance. If needed, finish under a high broiler for 3 to 5 minutes to achieve desired browning.
6. Combine Pasta and Feta: Remove the baking dish from the oven and take out the chicken breasts, thyme bundle, and garlic cloves. Add the cooked pasta and red pepper flakes into the baking dish and stir well. The feta cheese will break down during stirring, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and tomatoes perfectly.
7. Shred Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken breasts by hand or place them in a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Include the roasted garlic cloves to mix evenly into the shredded chicken for extra flavor.
8. Combine Chicken and Finish: Add the shredded chicken back into the creamy pasta mixture in the baking dish. Stir everything together until well combined. Finish by garnishing with fresh chives and extra feta crumbles, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Monitoring internal chicken temperature is crucial to ensure safety and prevent overcooking.
• Substitute thyme with basil or oregano according to preference.
• If you don’t have a stand mixer, shredding chicken by hand works just fine.
• Adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat, but adjust to your taste.

Keywords: Baked feta pasta, chicken pasta, Mediterranean recipe, creamy pasta, oven-baked pasta, feta cheese pasta, one dish meal, easy dinner