If you’re looking for a delicious, creamy, and easy-to-make pasta dish with a burst of Mediterranean flavors, Chicken Feta Pasta is the perfect choice! This recipe combines tender chicken, tangy feta cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all blended into a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The best part? The rich, cheesy sauce is effortlessly baked in the oven, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Let’s dive deep into this mouthwatering recipe, from the ingredients to step-by-step preparation, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and variations to customize it to your liking.
📝 Ingredients for Chicken Feta Pasta
For the Baked Feta Sauce:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- Salt (for boiling pasta)
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for added brightness)
🍽️ Step-by-Step Preparation
1️⃣ Prepare the Baked Feta Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, arrange the feta cheese block in the center. Surround it with halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes are bursting and the feta is soft and slightly golden on the edges.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
While the feta sauce is baking, let’s prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water or chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
4️⃣ Assemble the Dish
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta and tomatoes together until a creamy sauce forms.
- Add the cooked chicken into the sauce and mix well.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish by mixing in fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Chicken Feta Pasta is best served warm and fresh! You can pair it with:
✔️ A light side salad (arugula, cucumbers, and olives with balsamic dressing)
✔️ Garlic bread for a comforting meal
✔️ A glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
💡 Tips for the Perfect Chicken Feta Pasta
⭐ Use high-quality feta cheese – Greek feta made from sheep’s milk is creamier and tangier than cow’s milk feta.
⭐ Don’t overcook the chicken – Keep it juicy by searing it over medium heat and not overcooking it.
⭐ Save the pasta water – Adding it helps create a silky, smooth sauce.
⭐ Customize your dish – Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
🌟 Variations & Customizations
Love to experiment? Here are some fun ways to change up this dish:
🧀 Extra Creamy Version – Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
🌱 Vegetarian Option – Skip the chicken and add roasted zucchini or bell peppers.
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add extra chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery touch.
🐟 Seafood Twist – Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood-friendly version.
🍄 Mushroom Lover’s Edition – Sauté mushrooms with garlic and olive oil and mix them in.
📊 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
✅ Calories: ~550 kcal
✅ Protein: ~35g
✅ Carbohydrates: ~60g
✅ Fats: ~20g
This dish is a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, making it both nutritious and satisfying!
🛒 Meal Prep & Storage
✔️ Make ahead – The baked feta sauce can be prepared in advance and stored for 3-4 days in the fridge.
✔️ Store leftovers – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔️ Reheat – Add a splash of water or milk while reheating on the stovetop or microwave to keep the sauce creamy.
✔️ Freezing? – While pasta doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze just the chicken and feta sauce for up to 2 months.
🍷 Wine Pairing & Beverage Ideas
Pair this dish with a light, crisp white wine like:
🍷 Sauvignon Blanc – Complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
🍷 Chardonnay – Enhances the creamy, cheesy texture.
🍷 Rosé – A refreshing option that balances the richness.
For non-alcoholic options, a lemon-infused sparkling water or an iced herbal tea works wonderfully!
🎉 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Chicken Feta Pasta!
✔️ Super easy & minimal prep – The oven does most of the work!
✔️ Bursting with Mediterranean flavors – The combination of feta, garlic, and tomatoes is divine.
✔️ Customizable & family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love it!
✔️ Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
This Chicken Feta Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet touch. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
🔥 Try it out and let me know how you liked it! Share your version with me in the comments or tag me on social media! Happy cooking! 🍽️💛
