If you’re looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and full of bold flavors, then look no further than Mediterranean Baked Chicken With Pasta. This dish draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region, where fresh ingredients, herbs, and olive oil play leading roles. With the combination of tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight!
Ingredients
To create this delightful Mediterranean baked chicken pasta dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 2 cups of pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup of feta cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup of Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
For the Marinade
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinade the Chicken
Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts into a ziplock bag, pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (you can also let it marinate overnight for a more intense flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
While the chicken is marinating, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture, as the pasta will continue to cook when baked. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, pat dry, and sear in the hot pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until both sides are golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Season with oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the tomato mixture. Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently stirring to combine the ingredients. Top the dish with crumbled feta cheese, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are well-blended. The cheese should be slightly melted and golden on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy the wonderful combination of Mediterranean flavors!
Tips and Variations
This Mediterranean Baked Chicken With Pasta recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are some tips and variations to consider:
Tips:
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier version of the dish. Chicken thighs are more forgiving if overcooked and provide a richer flavor.
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding more vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
- Add extra greens like spinach or kale. Stir them into the pasta right before baking for an extra nutritional boost.
- Meal prep-friendly: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prep. You can also freeze portions for up to a month.
Variations:
- Mediterranean Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, increase the amount to your preference. They add a wonderful sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
- Chicken Pasta Bake: You can make this dish as a standalone baked pasta by using shredded rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have on hand.
- Tomato-Free Option: If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, replace them with roasted red peppers or make a creamy version by adding a cup of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Simple Chicken Pasta Recipes: For a quicker version, skip the oven and prepare everything on the stovetop. Cook the chicken fully, add the veggies and sauce, stir in the pasta, and top with feta without the need for baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fat: 19 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
This Mediterranean Baked Chicken With Pasta recipe offers a balanced meal that is both hearty and wholesome. With high-quality protein from the chicken, fiber from the veggies, and complex carbohydrates from the pasta, it’s a meal that nourishes both body and soul.
Mediterranean Baked Chicken With Pasta is the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors that can easily become a weeknight favorite. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and olives gives this dish its Mediterranean flair, while the baked chicken and pasta make it incredibly comforting and filling.
If you’re looking for an easy Mediterranean chicken pasta recipe that is loaded with flavor, give this one a try. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations, and let us know in the comments how you made this dish your own! We’d love to hear from you. Be sure to share your success on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes like this one. Happy cooking.