Feta Tomato Pasta Bake With Chicken (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Remember that viral feta pasta dish that took over social media? Well, I’ve taken it to the next level with my Feta Tomato Pasta Bake with Chicken. It’s a simple, yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.

Source: Slimmingeats via TikTok

A Flavorful Twist on a Viral Sensation

I love how this recipe combines the creamy, tangy feta with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the savory flavor of chicken. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, but tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant. 

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices. I add thinly sliced Basil to make it extra crunchy, nutritious, and healthy. Thinly sliced? Yes, I will tell you how to chiffonade Basil.

So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s sure to impress, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

You only need very few ingredients to make a stunning gourmet dish and impress your foodie spouse, like me!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

1. This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, yet it looks and tastes like something straight out of a gourmet restaurant.
2. The combination of creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and savory pasta creates a unique flavor profile in every bite.
3. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own unique twist on this dish.
4. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights.
5. This dish is always a hit with friends and family, and it’s perfect for sharing.
6. My seasonings’ choice will end this recipe with a bang. You are free to choose your own.

So are you ready?!

The Ingredients I Chose

For the Chicken: 

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean and versatile protein that cooks quickly and evenly.
• Olive Oil: Coat the chicken with olive oil, helping to achieve a crispy skin and enhance the flavor. 
• Seasonings: I add salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano to add depth of flavor to the chicken. 

For the Pasta:

• Fusilli Pasta: A short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works well for this dish, as it can easily coat itself in the creamy sauce.
• Feta Cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese that adds a salty, umami flavor to the dish. 
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: I drizzle it over the ingredients, helping to create a flavorful crust.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a bit of heat and spice to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients. I slice it thinly and I will show you how.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste to balance the flavors.

Why You Should Save Pasta Water

Have you ever wondered why some pasta dishes taste so much better than others? One secret ingredient is often overlooked: pasta water!

That starchy water is a game-changer. It adds richness and creaminess to sauces, helping them cling to the pasta perfectly. So next time you’re cooking pasta, save some of that water and elevate your dish to new heights!

Instructions

1- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and place your chicken breasts and crumbled feta cheese in the center. Surround them with halved cherry tomatoes and a few cloves of garlic.

Drizzle everything with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss it all together to coat.

2- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken and vegetables are baking, cook your pasta according to package directions. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can help thicken the sauce later, but it’s optional.

3- Bake the Dish: Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the feta is bubbly and golden. If you want a bit of extra char on the tomatoes and feta, turn on the broiler for a few minutes.

4- Assemble and Serve: Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Use a spoon to break up the feta and tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

5- Enjoy Your Meal: This dish is a flavor explosion! The combination of creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken is simply irresistible. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Do’s:

• Cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook in the hot sauce.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of your dish.
• Experiment with Herbs and Spices. Customize the flavor profile with your favorite herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or chili flakes.
• Add a Squeeze of Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors and add a tangy note.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan. Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. This can prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
• Don’t Drain the Pasta Completely. Reserve some of the starchy pasta water to add moisture and creaminess to the sauce.
• Don’t Skip the Fresh Herbs. Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor that can elevate the dish.

How to Chiffonade Basil

1. Gather Your Basil: Start with fresh basil leaves.
2. Stack the Leaves: Stack 5-6 basil leaves neatly on top of each other.
3. Roll the Leaves: Tightly roll the stack of leaves into a cylinder shape.
4. Slice the Roll: Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the rolled leaves crosswise. You should end up with thin, ribbon-like pieces of basil.
5. Fluff the Basil: Gently separate the chiffonade to fluff it up and release the basil’s aromatic oils.

Now you have beautifully chiffonaded basil, ready to add a burst of flavor to your pasta dish!

Commonly Asked Questions

1. Can I use Spray Oil?

Ans. While some recipes call for a generous amount of olive oil, you can still achieve delicious results with less. A light spray of olive oil can be used, but for optimal flavor, a small amount of extra virgin olive oil is recommended. This will help create a richer, more flavorful sauce. While it might seem like a small amount, it makes a big difference in the final dish.

2. Can I use other proteins in this gourmet dish?

Ans. Yes, you can definitely use other proteins in this dish. Chicken thighs are a great option, but add them at the beginning of cooking as they take longer to cook through. For a vegetarian twist, try adding white beans or chickpeas. Keep in mind that different proteins will have varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly.