Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the baking dish is ready to cook evenly when you start.

Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and place the chicken breasts in the center. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly around the chicken.

Surround the chicken with halved cherry tomatoes and a few whole garlic cloves for added flavor and richness.

Drizzle the entire dish with olive oil, ensuring everything is lightly coated. Generously season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use a spoon or your hands to gently toss the ingredients to combine.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and the feta is bubbling and golden.

For extra char and deeper flavor, turn on the broiler during the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.

While the dish bakes, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Choose a shape like penne or rotini to hold the sauce.

Before draining the pasta, save about ½ cup of the starchy cooking water. This can help loosen or thicken the sauce later, depending on preference.

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a spoon to break apart the softened feta and roasted tomatoes, stirring them into a creamy sauce. The garlic cloves can be mashed in for extra flavor.

Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Top the dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with extra red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve the dish immediately while hot. Pair it with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce. Enjoy your delicious meal!