Pin A vibrant pasta dish inspired by Greek flavors, blending tender roasted chicken, sweet roasted garlic, and creamy feta for a comforting, Mediterranean meal. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a gourmet experience by utilizing the deep, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic as the base for a light yet creamy sauce.
Pin Mediterranean cooking is all about high-quality ingredients treated with care. In this dish, the oven does most of the heavy lifting, concentrating the flavors of the tomatoes and onions while the chicken roasts to juicy perfection alongside them.
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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Roast the Garlic
- 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.
- 2. Roast Chicken and Vegetables
- 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.
- 3. Prepare the Pasta
- 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.
- 4. Blend the Sauce
- 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.
- 5. Slice Protein
- Slice the roasted chicken into strips.
- 6. Sauté Greens
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add baby spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- 7. Combine
- Add cooked pasta, roasted onion, cherry tomatoes, chicken, and mashed garlic sauce to the skillet. Toss well to combine and heat through.
- 8. Final Seasoning
- Remove from heat, stir in crumbled feta, and toss gently.
- 9. Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra feta if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure your garlic is roasted until it is completely soft and spreadable. If you prefer even more juiciness, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs, which handle the high heat of the oven exceptionally well.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas. For those looking for more fiber, this recipe works beautifully with whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives.
Serviervorschläge
This Mediterranean pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp Greek white wine, such as Assyrtiko. Serve it in large bowls with a final squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors just before eating.
Pin Whether you are hosting a dinner party or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this Roasted Garlic & Feta Chicken Pasta offers a balanced, flavorful, and satisfying dining experience that celebrates the best of Greek-inspired home cooking.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the chicken breasts with cooked chickpeas or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. The roasted garlic and feta sauce provides plenty of protein and rich flavor.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled pasta 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 to restore creaminess.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and rigatoni are ideal because their tubes catch the creamy garlic sauce. Fusilli, farfalle, or macaroni also work well. Avoid long strands like spaghetti as the sauce won't cling as effectively.
- → Can I use jarred minced garlic instead of fresh?
Fresh garlic bulbs are essential here because roasting transforms their flavor into something sweet and mellow. Jarred garlic won't develop the same caramelized sweetness or creamy texture when roasted.
- → How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
Add more Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream to the roasted garlic mixture. The reserved pasta water also helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that coats every piece of pasta evenly.
- → What can I serve with this pasta?
A crisp Greek white wine like Assyrtiko complements the tangy feta beautifully. Add a simple green salad with cucumber and olives, or serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.