Description
This Mediterranean Feta Chicken Bake is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that combines baked feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, seasoned chicken, and olives with perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta. Baked in the oven for a deliciously rich and tangy flavor, this dish is garnished with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing finish. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner that serves 6.
Ingredients
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 8-ounce block feta cheese (drained, if in brine)
- 3 cups whole cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2-1 cup olives
- 1 cup fresh basil (loosely chopped)
- Lemon wedges/squeeze (optional)
Pasta
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or any type of pasta)
Protein and Seasoning
- 2 cups cooked cubed or shredded chicken
- 1-2 teaspoons shawarma seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the feta and tomatoes.
- Add Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a 9×13-inch casserole dish and surround it evenly with the whole cherry tomatoes.
- Season and Bake: Drizzle minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper over the feta and tomatoes. Lightly stir the mixture to combine the seasonings, then bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft.
- Cook Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cooked cubed or shredded chicken with 1 to 2 teaspoons of shawarma seasoning until it is evenly coated with the spices.
- Bake Chicken: Remove the casserole dish from the oven and add the seasoned chicken and olives. Gently stir to combine with the baked feta and tomatoes, then return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Combine and Stir: Remove the dish from the oven, add the cooked and drained pasta to the casserole, and stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy, baked feta tomato sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with freshly chopped basil and optionally squeeze fresh lemon juice over for brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Shawarma seasoning is a blend of Middle Eastern spices; you can find it pre-made or make your own mix of cumin, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne.
- If feta is stored in brine, be sure to drain it well before baking to avoid excess moisture.
- The amount of olives can be adjusted based on preference; kalamata olives work well for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Lemon juice adds a nice brightness but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or substitute it with roasted chickpeas or a plant-based protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
