Save to Pinterest Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Roasted Garlic & Feta Chicken Pasta. The dish beautifully marries the bold flavors of Greek cuisine—sweet roasted garlic, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs—with tender roasted chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. As the garlic slowly roasts, it transforms from sharp and pungent to mellow and sweet, creating a fragrant base that infuses the entire dish.
Save to Pinterest This recipe was born from my love of Greek taverna cuisine, where simple ingredients combine to create something truly magnificent. The key is allowing each component to shine—from the sweet, caramelized notes of roasted garlic to the briny punch of good feta cheese. As the cherry tomatoes blister in the pan, they release their juices, creating a light sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large head garlic
- 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 120 g (4 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the garlic
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and golden.
- Prepare and cook the chicken
- Meanwhile, rub chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast alongside the garlic for 22–25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let rest before slicing thinly.
- Cook the pasta
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Start the sauce
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, letting them soften and blister.
- Add the roasted garlic
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the skillet. Mash gently and stir into the tomatoes and onions. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine components
- Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- Finish with cheese and herbs
- Remove from heat. Stir in crumbled feta, lemon zest, parsley, and dill. Season with additional black pepper as desired.
- Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra feta and herbs.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Das Rösten des Knoblauchs ist der Schlüssel zu diesem Gericht. Wenn Sie es eilig haben, können Sie den Knoblauch bei höherer Temperatur rösten, aber achten Sie darauf, dass er nicht verbrennt. Die Süße des gerösteten Knoblauchs bildet einen wunderbaren Kontrast zum salzigen Feta. Achten Sie auch darauf, das Pasta al dente zu kochen, da es in der Sauce noch etwas weitergaren wird.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für eine zeitsparende Version können Sie fertiges Brathähnchen verwenden. Vegetarier können das Hähnchen weglassen und stattdessen geröstete Kichererbsen oder Artischockenherzen hinzufügen. Für eine proteinreichere Variante können Sie griechischen Joghurt einrühren. Vollkornpasta verleiht dem Gericht zusätzliche Ballaststoffe und Nährstoffe. Im Sommer können Sie auch gegrillte Zucchini oder Aubergine hinzufügen.
Serviervorschläge
Servieren Sie dieses Gericht mit einem einfachen griechischen Salat oder geröstetem Gemüse als Beilage. Ein kühler Assyrtiko oder ein anderer knackiger Weißwein ergänzt die Aromen perfekt. Frisches, knuspriges Ciabatta oder Fladenbrot zum Auftunken der Sauce rundet die Mahlzeit ab. Zum Nachtisch passt griechischer Joghurt mit Honig und Walnüssen hervorragend.
Save to Pinterest This Roasted Garlic & Feta Chicken Pasta represents the heart of Mediterranean cooking—simple, fresh ingredients combined thoughtfully to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Each forkful delivers creamy, tangy, and aromatic notes that transport you straight to a seaside taverna. It's the perfect dish for gathering loved ones around your table, sharing stories, and creating memories over a meal that feels both comforting and special.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How should the garlic be prepared for best flavor?
Roast the garlic whole in foil with a drizzle of olive oil at 200°C (400°F) until soft and golden, about 30–35 minutes, to bring out its natural sweetness.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce and ingredients, but you can use other short pastas according to preference.
- → What herbs complement this dish?
Fresh parsley and dill add vibrant flavors and fresh aromatics, balancing the richness of the feta and roasted garlic.
- → How can the chicken be seasoned for extra flavor?
Marinating the chicken in lemon juice and oregano for an hour before roasting enhances its taste and adds brightness.
- → Is there a way to make the sauce creamier?
Adding reserved pasta cooking water when tossing the pasta and chicken with the sauce creates a silky, cohesive texture.