Chicken Feta Pasta
Introduction
Chicken Feta Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines savory flavors of baked feta, tender chicken, and fresh tomatoes. This pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to please the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy and flavorful meal in no time.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for a few reasons. First, it is quick to prepare and uses ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Second, the baking process brings out the rich flavors of feta cheese and tomatoes, making the sauce creamy and delicious without much fuss. Lastly, it’s a versatile dish; you can easily adjust it based on what you have or prefer, such as using different pasta types or adding vegetables.
How to Make Chicken Feta Pasta
Making Chicken Feta Pasta is simple and straightforward. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients:
- 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 oz pasta (penne or your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, combine the feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and mix everything together to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the dish, tossing to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
How to Serve Chicken Feta Pasta
Serve Chicken Feta Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Chicken Feta Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little olive oil or water to help bring back its creaminess.
Tips to Make Chicken Feta Pasta
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste; more oregano or garlic can enhance the flavor.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, or changing the pasta type. For a lighter version, try using whole wheat pasta or adding more vegetables for bulk.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Feta Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the feta and tomatoes ahead, then combine everything with the pasta right before serving.
2. What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
You can substitute with diced regular tomatoes or even use sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and can easily be reheated for lunches throughout the week.
Enjoy making and eating your Chicken Feta Pasta!
Print
Chicken Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish combining baked feta, tender chicken, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 oz pasta (penne or your choice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, combine the feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and mix everything together to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the dish, tossing to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and feel free to add extra vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken, Feta, Pasta, Mediterranean, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Baked Feta