Roasted Garlic & Feta Chicken (Printable Version)

Greek-inspired pasta with roasted chicken, caramelized garlic, and tangy feta cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat & Dairy

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 5.3 oz feta cheese, crumbled
03 - 2 tbsp Greek yogurt

→ Pasta

04 - 12.3 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

→ Vegetables

05 - 2 whole bulbs garlic
06 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 5.3 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 3.5 oz baby spinach

→ Pantry & Seasonings

09 - 3 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes, optional
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste
14 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice tops off garlic bulbs, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden.
02 - Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Place on baking tray with sliced red onion and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and roast for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
03 - Cook pasta in large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
04 - Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from skins into large bowl and mash with fork. Add Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk together to form creamy sauce, thinning with reserved pasta water as needed.
05 - Remove roasted chicken from oven and slice into strips.
06 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add baby spinach and sauté until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
07 - Add cooked pasta, roasted onion, cherry tomatoes, chicken strips, and mashed garlic sauce to skillet. Toss well to combine and heat through.
08 - Remove from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to distribute.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional feta cheese if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Deep Flavor: Roasted garlic provides a sweet, nutty base that pairs perfectly with tangy lemon and salty feta.
  • Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with 38g of protein and fresh baby spinach.
  • Simple Technique: Uses basic roasting methods to transform everyday ingredients into a gourmet-style feast.
02 -
  • Don't skip reserving the pasta water; its starchiness is key to creating a creamy, cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta.
  • Wait to stir in the feta until the pan is off the heat to prevent it from melting completely.
  • Roast the garlic until it is deep golden to maximize its sweet, caramelized flavor.
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