Roasted Garlic & Feta Chicken

Discover the vibrant essence of the Mediterranean with this Roasted Garlic & Feta Chicken Pasta. This comforting main dish blends tender roasted chicken, sweet mellowed garlic, and the tangy creaminess of Greek feta to create a balanced, flavorful meal that brings warmth to any dinner table.

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By roasting the garlic whole and tossing the pasta with a whisked yogurt sauce, you achieve a luxurious texture without the need for heavy cream. This dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

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

Prep ingredients easily by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dishes neatly during everyday cooking.

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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

For an extra boost of fiber and a heartier texture, try making this dish with whole-wheat pasta. Ensure you mash the roasted garlic into a smooth paste before whisking it with the yogurt to ensure the sauce is perfectly velvety.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for extra juiciness. For a vegetarian-friendly version, simply replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or roasted cauliflower florets.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this pasta hot in a large communal skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and extra crumbled feta. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp Greek white wine, such as Assyrtiko, to complement the lemon and feta notes.

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Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired meal that perfectly balances the savory richness of roasted meat with the bright, zesty notes of Greek cuisine. It is a satisfying dish that brings gourmet quality to your home kitchen.

Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the chicken and garlic up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently while cooking the pasta, then combine everything just before serving.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Penne and rigatoni are ideal because their ridges and tubes catch the creamy garlic sauce. Fusilli or farfalle would also work well. Avoid long strands like spaghetti as the sauce won't coat them evenly.

→ How do I roast garlic properly?

Slice the top off each bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 200°C for about 30 minutes. The cloves should be soft, golden, and easily squeezable from their skins.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or halloumi cubes. Add the chickpeas during the final toss, or roast halloumi alongside the vegetables for 15-20 minutes until golden.

→ What can I use instead of feta?

Goat cheese or ricotta salata work beautifully as alternatives. For a dairy-free version, try vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a similar tangy, savory element.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Always reserve some pasta cooking water. The starchy water helps bind the garlic-yogurt sauce and keeps everything creamy. Add it gradually while tossing until you reach your desired consistency.