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Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken

A delightful dish featuring creamy feta cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and hearty chicken, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Main Ingredients
  • 1/2 lb Gigli Pasta Small, curly pasta shapes.
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes Use ripe ones for best flavor.
  • 1 bundle Thyme sprigs Can substitute with basil, rosemary, or oregano.
  • 2 cloves fresh Garlic Adds aromatic flavor.
  • 1 block (about 8 oz) Feta Cheese Creamy cheese that melts into the dish.
  • 2 6 oz Chicken Breasts Seasoned with salt and pepper.
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Use high-quality for richness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes For a slight kick.
  • Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper For seasoning.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, thyme sprigs, garlic cloves, feta cheese, and seasoned chicken breasts. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the ingredients.
  3. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, then use your hands to toss everything together.
Cooking
  1. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
  2. Check the temperature of the chicken; it should reach 160°F (71°C) when cooked through.
  3. If the chicken is done, increase the oven heat to 450°F (230°C) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  4. Alternatively, broil for 3-5 minutes for extra crispness.
  5. Cook the gigli pasta according to package instructions, reserving 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
  6. Remove the dish from the oven. Take out the chicken, thyme bundle, and garlic cloves.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and crushed red pepper flakes to the baking dish, stirring until the feta breaks up.
  8. Shred the chicken and mix back into the pasta and sauce.
Finishing Touches
  1. Top your dish with fresh chives, additional feta crumbles, and more salt and pepper if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Experiment with different cheeses if desired.