Creamy Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken and Roasted Tomatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 block feta cheese, about 200g (full-fat, not crumbled)
• 400 g Roma tomatoes (about 2 cups)
• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 250 g pasta of your choice

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a medium baking dish; no need to line it.

2. 2

   Add tomatoes and chicken: Place the Roma tomatoes and cubed chicken breast into the baking dish.

3. 3

   Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken seasoning, dried chili flakes, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the chicken. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix everything well to coat evenly.

4. 4

   Place feta in center: Make a space in the center of the dish and place the block of full-fat feta cheese there.

5. 5

   Drizzle olive oil: Generously drizzle olive oil over the entire dish to aid roasting and enhance flavor.

6. 6

   Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.

7. 7

   Cook pasta: While the baking takes place, cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente.

8. 8

   Drain pasta: Drain the pasta, reserving a splash of pasta water, and set aside.

9. 9

   Mash baked feta and tomatoes: Once baked, use a fork or spoon to mash the softened feta and roasted tomatoes together to create a creamy, saucy base.

10. 10

    Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir well until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

11. 11

    Add greens (optional): Stir in fresh spinach or basil if desired for extra freshness and flavor.

12. 12

    Serve the creamy baked feta pasta warm for the best experience.