Baked Feta Pasta (extra protein)

Ingredients

• 12 oz Pasta (cooked al dente)
• 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup Canned Chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
• 4 Garlic Cloves (peeled)
• 3 tbsp Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil (for tossing vegetables)
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano (ground)
• ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
• ½ tsp Salt (to taste)
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 200 g Feta Cheese Block (room temperature, block in brine)
• 1 Lemon (zest only)
• ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves (roughly chopped)
• 2 Chicken Breast (seasoned with salt & pepper, grilled and sliced)
• ½ cup Reserved Pasta Water (saved from cooking pasta)

Instructions

1. Prepare All Fresh Ingredients

   Halve the cherry tomatoes, peel and mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and roughly chop the basil leaves.

   Time: PT10M

2. Cook Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the hot pasta water, then drain.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Boiling

3. Grill Chicken

   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium‑high heat for 5‑6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 2 minutes, then slice.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: Medium‑high

4. Preheat Oven

   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 200°C

5. Assemble Baking Dish

   In the baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, rinsed chickpeas, whole garlic cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Nestle the feta block in the center of the mixture.

   Time: PT5M

6. Bake Until Juicy

   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and slightly golden.

   Time: PT35M

   Temperature: 200°C

7. Create the Creamy Sauce

   Remove the dish from the oven. Add the lemon zest and chopped basil. Using a spatula, mash the softened feta together with the roasted garlic until the mixture is chunky‑creamy.

   Time: PT5M

8. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

   Time: PT5M

9. Plate and Serve

   Divide the pasta among plates, top each serving with sliced grilled chicken, and finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

550

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

60 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

8 g