Feta Pasta & Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Feta Pasta & Chicken Bake is a creamy, flavorful one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses come together with fragrant herbs and a zesty marinade to create an irresistible pasta bake.

Ingredients

• 1-2 lb chicken breast, cut into small chunks
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (to season chicken)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2¼ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ small red onion, diced
• 5 ounces julienned sun-dried tomatoes
• 5.3 ounces Boursin garlic and fine herb cheese
• 7 oz feta cheese
• 1 lb pasta, boiled until al dente
• A handful of chopped fresh basil
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 small lemon
• 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Grated cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a 9×13 baking dish, place the feta cheese and Boursin cheese in the center.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks. In a bowl, season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well with your hands until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Around the cheeses in the baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, and the seasoned chicken pieces.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, sun-dried tomato oil, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and honey to make the marinade.
5. Step 5: Pour the marinade evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish, coating the chicken, tomatoes, and cheeses.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are blistered.
7. Step 7: While the bake is cooking, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8. Step 8: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Gently stir the cheeses, cooked chicken, tomatoes, and marinade together to combine.
9. Step 9: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat everything evenly.
10. Step 10: Finish with a generous handful of chopped fresh basil, garnish with parsley or grated cheese if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and Worcestershire sauce for 30 minutes before assembling.
• Use penne or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
• Swap sun-dried tomato oil with olive oil if unavailable.
• Add a handful of spinach or arugula for a fresh green boost right before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm. If the pasta seems dry after reheating, stir in a splash of olive oil or a little water to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, you can substitute Boursin with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs, or another soft flavored cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture.

Is it necessary to boil the pasta before baking?

Yes, boiling the pasta until al dente before mixing it with the baked ingredients ensures it cooks properly and maintains a good texture without becoming mushy.