Creamy Chicken Feta Pasta

This creamy chicken feta pasta recipe is my secret weapon whenever I need a quick and comforting dinner that feels restaurant special but comes together in under an hour. With tangy feta, a velvety sauce, and juicy chicken, this easy pasta dish is a weeknight lifesaver, ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish. Whether you want an easy meal, a crowd pleasing pasta dinner, or just a simple pick me up, creamy chicken feta pasta delivers big flavors for minimal effort.

I first made this creamy chicken feta pasta on a snowy night when I was searching for something hearty and fresh tasting that could be made with leftovers and staples in my fridge. The tang of the feta was a surprise hit, adding just the right brightness to balance the rich, creamy sauce, while the juicy chicken made it extra satisfying. Over time, I have customized this easy chicken feta pasta for picky eaters and guests alike, and it always impresses with its crowd pleasing flavors and adaptability.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Pasta of your choice about 300 grams or ten and a half ounces: Any shape works but penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are best at catching the creamy feta sauce. Use whole wheat or gluten free pasta for dietary needs.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and flavor. Cold pressed olive oil is ideal for bold Mediterranean taste but regular works well too.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce, and high quality butter yields the creamiest, smoothest results.
• Chicken breast fillets cut into bite sized pieces: Fresh organic chicken is most tender, but you can substitute boneless thighs for a juicier option or even rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.
• Garlic cloves, finely chopped: Fresh garlic gives deep savory undertones; use extra for punch or swap in shallots for a milder flavor.
• Red chilli flakes: Brings gentle heat that cuts through the creaminess; for less spice, use half the amount or omit entirely.
• Dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio: Deglazes the pan and boosts complexity; low sodium chicken broth works for a no wine version.
• Tomato paste: Double concentrated is best for richer color and umami flavor but standard paste works in a pinch.
• Cream cheese: Makes the sauce extra velvety; full fat is most luscious but low fat soft cheese is a lighter alternative.
• Dried oregano: Lends earthy Mediterranean character; Italian seasoning or fresh oregano can be swapped in for variety.
• Feta cheese, crumbled: Authentic Greek feta has unbeatable tang and creaminess; goat cheese can stand in for similar flavor but try to use sheep's milk feta for tradition.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Sweet and chewy, best if oil packed for quick prep; if using dry, rehydrate in warm water for 10 minutes before adding.
• Fresh basil leaves, shredded: Brings color and herbaceous freshness; substitute flat leaf parsley if basil is unavailable.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Use coarse grind for aroma and flavor; a finishing touch elevates the whole dish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Feta Pasta

Boil the Pasta Until Al Dente:

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and stir frequently to avoid sticking. Cook the pasta until just al dente, usually about 8 to 11 minutes based on the shape. Reserve 1 to 1.5 cups of the cooking water before draining, as it is essential for building a silky sauce later. Set the pasta aside and avoid overcooking, since it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Brown the Chicken for Juicy Flavor:

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium. Add the butter, and once it begins to foam, toss in the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes so a light golden crust forms underneath. Stir gently and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through. Browning adds depth and prevents the meat from drying out.

Add Garlic and Chilli for Instant Aroma:

Sprinkle the chopped garlic and red chilli flakes over the chicken. Stir and cook for about 60 seconds, just until fragrant and the garlic softens. Take care not to let the garlic brown too much, as burnt garlic can turn the sauce bitter and overpower other flavors.

Deglaze with White Wine to Build Flavor:

Pour in the dry white wine and immediately scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan using a wooden spoon. Allow the wine to bubble and reduce, about 1 to 2 minutes, until most of the alcohol cooks off. This step infuses the sauce and chicken with subtle acidity and sweetness. Substitute low sodium chicken broth if omitting wine; the result may be slightly lighter but still flavorful.

Create Creamy Sauce with Cream Cheese and Tomato Paste:

Turn the heat to medium low. Add the tomato paste and blend thoroughly with the chicken until the color deepens. Follow with cream cheese and 1 cup of reserved pasta water, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes glossy and thickened. Simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to meld all flavors together. Adjust the sauce consistency with extra pasta water if needed to reach that classic creamy pasta finish.

Add Oregano and Feta for Tangy Depth:

Sprinkle in the dried oregano and crumbled feta cheese. Stir gently, letting the feta become creamy but leaving some texture for contrast. Let the sauce bubble softly for another 1 to 2 minutes, tasting and seasoning with black pepper or a pinch of extra chilli flakes for kick until perfectly balanced.

Toss Pasta and Finish with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil:

Add the drained cooked pasta to the sauce and mix everything thoroughly until the noodles are completely cloaked in the creamy mixture. Toss in sun dried tomatoes and most of the shredded basil, setting a bit aside for garnish. Heat through, then remove from heat and sprinkle with more basil and black pepper before serving to brighten the flavors and colors.

My favorite discovery with this recipe is how the combination of cream cheese and feta creates a perfect balance between rich and tangy tastes every single time. One night I swapped in smoked paprika instead of chilli flakes, and my kids declared it the best batch ever. The sweet chew of sun dried tomatoes, paired with basil, ties all the Mediterranean flavors together in one comforting bowl.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This creamy chicken feta pasta works beautifully with so many variations. For a dairy free spin, try swapping in plant based cream cheese and skip the feta, using mushroom bacon or vegan cheese for umami. To make it gluten free, pick a chickpea penne or spiral zucchini noodles for fewer carbs and extra nutrition. During the spring and summer, tossing in roasted asparagus or baby spinach adds color, freshness, and vitamins to each bite. Adapt the sauce by omitting tomato paste for an all white creamy chicken feta pasta if desired.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Chicken Feta Pasta

Keeping leftover creamy chicken feta pasta fresh is simple when you know how. Start by letting the pasta cool to room temperature, then divide it into airtight containers for easy storage. In the refrigerator, the pasta stays delicious for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and warm gently on the stove so the sauce stays glossy and creamy. For longer storage, freeze single servings in freezer safe containers for up to three months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Feta Pasta

Pairing creamy chicken feta pasta with the right sides creates a memorable meal full of balance and color. Crisp arugula or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette contrast the creamy sauce and add freshness. For a special occasion, serve with toasted garlic bread, warm pita, or a glass of the white wine used in the sauce for a restaurant style touch. For bigger gatherings, a platter of roasted vegetables or a classic Greek salad complements the Mediterranean flavors and textures.

Nutritional Benefits

This creamy chicken feta pasta is a complete meal that blends lean protein from chicken, complex carbs from pasta, and healthy fats from olive oil and cheese. With around 600 calories and 25 grams of protein per generous serving, it keeps you feeling full and satisfied. Sun dried tomatoes and basil provide antioxidants and vitamins, while authentic feta adds calcium and Mediterranean flavor for a deliciously balanced dish suitable for many dietary needs.

Recipe Success Tips

Getting creamy chicken feta pasta just right is simple if you follow a few key tips. Do not overcook the pasta or chicken, as both continue to cook in the sauce and help maintain tenderness. Always reserve enough pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it thickens as it sits. If your sauce tastes bland, add a squeeze of lemon or extra feta to bring brightness and balance. Adjust seasoning in stages, as feta can be quite salty and garlic intensity can vary by brand.

This creamy chicken feta pasta has completely changed our dinner routine with its rich tangy flavor and total ease from start to finish. Try it for yourself and see why it might just become your family’s new comfort food favorite any night of the week.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, most pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well with creamy sauces. Choose your favorite variety.

→ Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

You can try goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor, though the dish's tanginess will change slightly.

→ Can I make this with leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Stir in chopped or shredded cooked chicken after preparing the sauce to warm through.

→ What can I use instead of white wine?

Use extra pasta water or low-sodium chicken broth for deglazing if you prefer to skip wine.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk.