Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, oven-roasted tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a block of baked feta cheese to create a one-pan meal that feels both comforting and gourmet. The creamy texture of melted feta mixed with the juices from blistered tomatoes and savory roasted garlic forms a tangy, luscious sauce that coats each bite, while the addition of seasoned chicken adds hearty protein to balance out the dish. This wildly popular recipe is beloved for being easy to prepare, using minimal ingredients, and delivering maximum flavor—making it a perfect option for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or cozy nights in.
The History of Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken
The viral fame of baked feta pasta began in Finland around 2018, when food blogger Jenni Häyrinen created a recipe called “Uunifetapasta” that involved baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, then stirring it together with cooked pasta to form a creamy sauce. The simplicity and elegance of the recipe caught on quickly in Nordic countries and eventually exploded in popularity worldwide thanks to TikTok and Instagram. As the trend spread globally, home cooks began adding their own spins, including herbs, vegetables, and proteins like chicken to make the dish more complete and customizable. The addition of chicken not only adds protein but also enhances the dish’s flavor and texture, making it more satisfying and meal-worthy. Today, Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken is a staple in modern kitchens and a perfect example of how viral food trends can evolve into beloved classics.
Ingredients Breakdown
▢ 1 block (7–8 oz) of feta cheese (preferably whole and full-fat)
▢ 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
▢ 3 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole or minced
▢ 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
▢ Salt and black pepper to taste
▢ 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
▢ 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced or thinly sliced
▢ Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, baby spinach, or lemon zest for garnish and extra flavor
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center and surround it with cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano or Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the feta and tomatoes uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and bursting and the feta is soft and golden on top.
- While the feta is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken with a drizzle of olive oil, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and additional herbs if desired. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the feta, garlic, and tomatoes together into a creamy sauce directly in the baking dish.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the dish, stirring everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy tomato-feta mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish with optional toppings like fresh basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or a handful of baby spinach for added color and freshness. Serve warm.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken
Use full-fat block feta cheese for best results—it melts more evenly and creates a creamier sauce than crumbled or low-fat versions. Roasting the garlic whole gives it a sweet, mellow flavor, while mincing it intensifies the garlic bite. Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; allow the tomatoes space to roast and caramelize. Season the chicken well and sear it for golden edges and extra flavor. Stir the pasta immediately after baking to combine all the juices and softened cheese while it’s still hot. Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed. Use a sturdy pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or rotini that holds the sauce well. Add spinach or kale in the final stir for added nutrients and texture.
Variations and Customizations
Try using crumbled goat cheese or a mix of feta and cream cheese for a slightly tangier or creamier sauce. Swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes to add a deeper, sweeter flavor. Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut. Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the baking dish for more vegetables. Mix in a spoonful of pesto or a splash of balsamic glaze for extra layers of flavor. Turn up the heat with crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers. For a low-carb version, replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken is a well-rounded meal offering protein from the chicken, calcium from the feta cheese, and fiber from the pasta and tomatoes. To make it healthier, use whole wheat or legume-based pasta, add extra vegetables like spinach or kale, and choose low-fat feta if desired. Greek yogurt can be stirred in at the end for added creaminess with less fat. Olive oil provides healthy fats, and garlic and tomatoes contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Be mindful of the sodium content from feta and added salt, especially if using store-bought seasonings. This dish can be part of a balanced diet when served in moderation and paired with a simple salad or vegetable side.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the feta and tomatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat and stir in fresh-cooked pasta and chicken before serving.
Can I use a different cheese? You can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or Boursin, but the flavor and texture will vary.
What pasta works best? Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal for catching the sauce, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely—just omit the chicken or replace it with chickpeas, tofu, or extra vegetables for a meatless version.
Is it gluten-free? It can be made gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. Check that the feta is gluten-free as well.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about two 8-ounce pieces)
- ▢ 1 block 8 ounces of feta cheese
- ▢ 2 pints of cherry tomatoes approximately 20 ounces
- ▢ 5 to 6 garlic cloves peeled and left whole
- ▢ 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ▢ 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
- ▢ 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- ▢ 8 ounces of uncooked fusilli or any preferred short pasta
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish, arrange the chicken breasts and block of feta cheese evenly spaced. Scatter the cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves around them. It’s okay if the dish feels a bit full.
- Drizzle the olive oil over everything in the dish, then season with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Use your hands to gently toss everything together so that the chicken and feta are well coated in the oil and seasoning. Be sure to wash your hands afterward for food safety.
- Bake uncovered for about 35 minutes. Begin checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark; the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest point. In most cases, the full 35 minutes will be needed.
- While the chicken and feta are baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- Once baking is complete, transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a clean cutting board and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
- Optional step: Increase the oven temperature to broil and return the baking dish with just the tomatoes and feta to the oven for an additional 3 minutes to allow the tomatoes to blister and char slightly.
- Use a fork or spoon to stir the softened feta and roasted tomatoes directly in the dish, pressing gently on the tomatoes and garlic to release their juices. Add the sliced fresh basil and mix well to combine. Next, stir in the cooked pasta, tossing everything until the sauce is evenly distributed and coats the pasta.
- Top with the sliced chicken and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with more fresh basil if desired. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.