Chicken Feta Pasta
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽️ Servings
4 servings
🛒 Ingredients
2 cups pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
2 chicken breasts, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup pasta cooking water
¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced chicken.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
3️⃣ Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
4️⃣ Combine Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
Pour in reserved pasta water and toss to combine.
5️⃣ Add Feta
Stir in crumbled feta cheese.
Mix gently until feta slightly melts and creates a creamy texture.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
Add red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve warm.
🍽️ Optional Add-Ins
You can customize the pasta with:
Spinach
Sun-dried tomatoes
Mushrooms
Olives
Roasted bell peppers
💡 Tips
Use block feta and crumble it yourself for better flavor.
Reserve pasta water — it helps create a light creamy sauce.
Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this pasta creamy?
Yes! Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese when mixing the pasta.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Add shredded cooked chicken during step 4.
Q: What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle holds the sauce well.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
Use whole-wheat pasta and add vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
