This Feta Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, tangy feta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. With a hint of garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this dish is a delightful balance of rich and fresh flavors. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- One-pan option – You can cook everything in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
- Rich and creamy – Feta cheese melts into a luscious, tangy sauce.
- Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
- High in protein – Chicken provides a good source of lean protein.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
- Feta cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Cook the pasta – Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Sauté the garlic and tomatoes – In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst.
- Make the feta sauce – Crumble the feta cheese into the pan, adding reserved pasta water to help create a creamy sauce. Stir well.
- Combine everything – Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish and serve – Top with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use different cheese – Try goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
- Add veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.
- Swap the protein – Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a variation.
- Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as feta cheese may become grainy after thawing.
FAQs
How do I prevent the feta sauce from being too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well in this recipe.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but spaghetti also works great.
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Yes, but block feta tends to melt better and create a creamier sauce.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
Can I add more protein?
Absolutely! Try adding chickpeas or white beans for an extra protein boost.
What herbs pair well with this dish?
Basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme all complement the flavors nicely.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, but store the pasta and sauce separately to prevent sogginess.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Try using a dairy-free feta alternative and a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.
What side dishes go well with feta chicken pasta?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables are great options.
Conclusion
This Feta Chicken Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a creamy, tangy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a satisfying meal that you can customize to your taste. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, flavorful pasta dish!
Print
Feta Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Description
This Feta Chicken Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a luscious feta sauce, it’s an easy, one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfectly balanced with rich and fresh flavors, this pasta dish is high in protein and completely customizable to your taste!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 6 oz feta cheese (block preferred)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the chicken – Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken – Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Sauté garlic & tomatoes – In the same skillet, heat another tbsp of olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add cherry tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes burst.
- Make the sauce – Crumble feta into the pan and add reserved pasta water, stirring until a creamy sauce forms.
- Combine everything – Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken, tossing to coat in sauce.
- Garnish & serve – Top with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use block feta for a smoother sauce.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
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