Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coasts of Italy with every single bite - a mouthwatering symphony of tender chicken, burst of juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese that will make your taste buds dance! This Feta and Tomato Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines simplicity with explosive flavors, perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality dishes in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining in the center.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly and release their juices.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and tomatoes. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the pasta. Gently stir to distribute the cheese, allowing it to slightly melt from the residual heat.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, adding a final burst of flavor and color to the dish.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a good mix of chicken, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together beautifully.
- For maximum flavor, ensure your chicken is well-seasoned and cooked to a golden brown. This develops a rich, caramelized exterior that adds depth to the entire dish.
- Use fresh, high-quality feta cheese and add it at the end to prevent over-melting. The residual heat will soften it just perfectly.
- Fresh basil is key! If possible, tear the leaves just before serving to release their most vibrant aromatics.
- For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta or substitute chicken with grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
