Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken

A chicken variation on the viral baked feta pasta — feta and tomatoes baked until caramelised, mashed into a creamy sauce and tossed with penne.

Source
Recipe Info
Servings: 4
Prep: 15m
Cook: 30m
Total: 45m
Ingredients
  • 240g uncooked penne pasta
  • 120ml reserved pasta cooking water
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 360g chopped tomatoes (tinned)
  • 20 grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 180g feta cheese, in a piece
  • a pinch of black pepper
  • a pinch of dried mixed herbs
  • a pinch of red chilli flakes
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 300g boneless, skinless chicken thigh, sliced into small strips
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • a pinch of sea salt
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/gas 6.
  2. Add the chicken to a bowl with the paprika, dried oregano, dried basil and a pinch of sea salt, and toss to coat.
  3. In an ovenproof dish, add the chopped tomatoes, grape tomatoes, red pepper, onion, garlic and chicken pieces, and make a space in the centre.
  4. Place the feta in the cleared space. Sprinkle with a pinch of mixed herbs, chilli flakes and black pepper.
  5. Drizzle the olive oil over the feta, chicken and vegetables.
  6. Bake for 35 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and the feta is slightly caramelised.
  7. With 10-15 minutes of baking time left, cook the pasta until al dente in salted boiling water. Reserve 120ml of the pasta water before draining.
  8. Remove the baking dish from the oven, sprinkle with the fresh basil and parsley, and use a wooden spoon to break up the feta and squish the tomatoes, mixing until creamy. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water and stir until combined.
  9. Serve immediately.