Pin As the evening sun dips below the horizon, the kitchen fills with the sweet, nutty aroma of roasting garlic. This Roasted Garlic & Feta Chicken Pasta brings together the soul of Greek cuisine in a comforting dish that feels both sophisticated and homey. The marriage of mellow, caramelized garlic with salty, creamy feta creates a flavor foundation that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Pin This dish transports me to small Greek tavernas where the hospitality is as warm as the weather. The first time I tasted something similar was during a trip through the Peloponnese, where a local cook showed me how roasting garlic completely transforms its character from sharp and pungent to sweet and complex. When paired with the briny tang of feta cheese and the herbaceous notes of fresh parsley and dill, it creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large head garlic
- 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 120 g (4 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and golden.
- Roast the chicken
- Meanwhile, rub chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast alongside the garlic for 22–25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let rest before slicing thinly.
- Cook the pasta
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Make the sauce
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, letting them soften and blister.
- Add the roasted garlic
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the skillet. Mash gently and stir into the tomatoes and onions. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine everything
- Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Finish the dish
- Remove from heat. Stir in crumbled feta, lemon zest, parsley, and dill. Season with additional black pepper as desired.
- Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra feta and herbs.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The key to this dish is patience with the garlic. Proper roasting transforms it into a sweet, spreadable delight that infuses the entire dish with complex flavor. Don't rush this step. If you're short on time, you can roast the garlic and chicken a day ahead and refrigerate until needed. Just bring them to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and double the cherry tomatoes and feta. You could also add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt at the end. For more protein, add a can of drained white beans. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand.
Serviervorschläge
This pasta dish shines as a standalone meal, but it pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar. A side of warm pita bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a complete Mediterranean experience, start with a small plate of olives, serve this pasta as your main, and finish with honey-drizzled Greek yogurt for dessert.
Pin This Roasted Garlic & Feta Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it's a Mediterranean escape on a plate. The combination of sweet roasted garlic, savory chicken, and tangy feta creates layers of flavor that will transport you to sun-drenched Greek shores. It's a reminder that with a few quality ingredients and a bit of care, we can create dishes that nourish both body and soul. As they say in Greece, "Kali Orexi"—bon appétit!
Recipe Q&A
- → How should the garlic be prepared for roasting?
Slice the top off a whole garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast until soft and golden for a sweet, mellow flavor.
- → Can the chicken be marinated for extra flavor?
Yes, marinate the chicken breasts in lemon juice and dried oregano for about an hour before roasting to enhance the taste and tenderness.
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta varieties like penne or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the sauce well and complement the chunky ingredients.
- → How can creaminess be adjusted in the sauce?
Reserve some pasta cooking water to add a splash when tossing everything together; it helps create a light, creamy consistency without heaviness.
- → Are there optional herbs that can be included?
Fresh dill is optional but adds a delicate, aromatic touch that pairs well with the feta and lemon zest.