Roasted Garlic Feta Chicken Pasta

Discover the essence of Mediterranean comfort with this Roasted Garlic & Feta Chicken Pasta. This dish brings together the sweetness of slow-roasted garlic, the tanginess of crumbled feta, and tender seasoned chicken for a vibrant and satisfying Greek-inspired meal that is perfect for any evening.

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The magic of this recipe begins in the oven, where whole garlic bulbs are roasted until soft and golden, creating a rich, mellow base for the sauce that beautifully coats every piece of penne pasta.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 150 g feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 350 g penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 whole bulbs garlic
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100 g baby spinach
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes, until soft and golden.

Step 2

Meanwhile, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Place on a baking tray with the sliced red onion and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast in the oven for 25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

Step 3

While the chicken and garlic roast, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.

Step 4

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a large bowl. Mash with a fork. Add Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk together to form a creamy sauce, thinning with reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 5

Slice the roasted chicken into strips.

Step 6

In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add baby spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 7

Add cooked pasta, roasted onion, cherry tomatoes, chicken, and mashed garlic sauce to the skillet. Toss well to combine and heat through.

Step 8

Remove from heat, stir in crumbled feta, and toss gently.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra feta if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure the garlic is roasted until completely soft to make mashing easier. Using the reserved pasta water is key to achieving a silky consistency for your sauce that perfectly binds the ingredients together.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra juiciness, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use cooked chickpeas instead of meat. You can also try whole-wheat pasta for an added boost of fiber.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish the dish generously with fresh parsley and extra crumbled feta. This pasta pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Greek white wine, such as Assyrtiko, to complement the citrus and herbal notes.

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This medium-difficulty recipe yields 4 servings, each providing approximately 540 calories. It’s a wholesome, flavorful way to enjoy a balanced dinner that brings together meat, dairy, and plenty of vegetables in under an hour.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can roast the garlic and chicken up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. The pasta is best cooked fresh, but you can prep all your vegetables beforehand. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to revive the creamy sauce.

→ What pasta shape works best?

Penne or rigatoni are ideal because their tube shapes catch the roasted garlic sauce beautifully. Fusilli or farfalle would also work well. Avoid long strands like spaghetti as the sauce won't cling as effectively to the noodles.

→ Is there a vegetarian version?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or white beans for protein. You could also add roasted eggplant or zucchini for extra substance. The creamy garlic-feta sauce works wonderfully with vegetables alone.

→ Can I use jarred minced garlic instead?

While possible, you'll miss the signature sweet, mellow flavor that comes from roasting whole garlic bulbs. Jarred garlic has a sharper, more pungent taste. If time is tight, try roasting garlic cloves in olive oil at 200°C for 15-20 minutes instead.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so add a splash of water or olive oil when reheating. Avoid freezing as the dairy sauce may separate when thawed.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

A crisp Greek white wine like Assyrtiko pairs beautifully. For sides, consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or grilled asparagus with lemon. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.