Name: Feta Pasta & Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1-2 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 ¼ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 6 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ small red onion, diced; 5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, julienned; 5.3 ounces Boursin garlic and fine herb cheese; 7 ounces feta cheese; 1 lb penne pasta, boiled until al dente; A handful fresh basil, chopped; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Grated cheese, for garnish (optional); ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 small lemon; 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey

Ingredients

1–2 lb chicken breast, cut into small chunks

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for seasoning

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 ¼ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

6 cloves garlic, minced

¼ small red onion, diced

5 ounces julienned sun-dried tomatoes

5.3 ounces Boursin garlic and fine herb cheese

7 ounces feta cheese

1 lb pasta, boiled until al dente

Handful of chopped fresh basil

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice and zest of 1 small lemon

2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Grated cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place the feta cheese and Boursin cheese in the center.

Step 2: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks. In a bowl, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well with your hands to coat evenly.

Step 3: Arrange the cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, julienned sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoned chicken pieces around the cheese in the baking dish.

Step 4: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, sun-dried tomato oil, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and honey to create the marinade.

Step 5: Pour the marinade evenly over the cheese, vegetables, and chicken in the baking dish.

Step 6: Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: While the bake is in the oven, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 8: Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently stir everything together to combine the melted cheese, vegetables, chicken, and flavorful marinade.

Step 9: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss gently to coat with the sauce and ingredients.

Step 10: Finish with a generous handful of chopped fresh basil. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and grated cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result or use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.

Try different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to hold the sauce better.

Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the marinade for extra depth of flavor.

For a vegetarian adaptation, omit the chicken and add more sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables.

Fresh basil can be swapped with fresh oregano or parsley based on preference.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, you can substitute Boursin with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomato oil?

The sun-dried tomato oil adds extra richness and flavor to the marinade, but you can replace it with extra virgin olive oil if you don’t have any on hand.