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Baked Feta Tomato Pasta with Optional Chicken and Sausage Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

This Baked Feta Tomato Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and comforting dish where a brick of feta cheese is baked alongside bursting cherry tomatoes and combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Enhanced with a flavorful chili dip and oregano, this dish can be optionally boosted with shredded chicken or smoked sausage for added protein. It's an easy oven-baked meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 brick feta cheese
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Chugwater Chili Dip & Dressing Mix
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 8 ounces penne or bowtie pasta, cooked

Optional Protein Additions

  • 1 cup shredded chicken
  • 1 ring smoked sausage, sliced and cooked

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Place the brick of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish and arrange the cherry tomatoes around it, creating an even layer surrounding the cheese.
  2. Add seasonings: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and feta, then sprinkle with the Chugwater Chili Dip & Dressing Mix and oregano to infuse flavor.
  3. Bake the cheese and tomatoes: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens and starts to melt.
  4. Blend the mixture: Remove the dish from the oven and, using a fork or spoon, mash and blend the softened feta cheese together with the roasted tomatoes until creamy and combined. If using, fold in shredded chicken or cooked smoked sausage now.
  5. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked penne or bowtie pasta to the tomato and feta mixture and stir thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  6. Heat with protein (optional): If adding meat, return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the protein is heated through.
  7. Serve warm: Spoon the pasta onto plates and serve immediately for the best creamy texture and warm flavors.

Notes

  • Use high-quality feta for creamier melting and richer taste.
  • Reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • The Chugwater Chili Dip & Dressing Mix adds a subtle spicy and tangy kick, but you can substitute with chili flakes and seasoning if unavailable.
  • Adding chicken or sausage boosts protein and makes it a heartier meal.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meats.
  • Leftovers refrigerate well and reheat gently to preserve texture.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/baked-feta-tomato-pasta-with-optional-chicken-and-sausage-recipe/