Baked Feta Pasta (high-protein)
As a dietitian, I’m all about taking the fun foods you love and bringing them into meals that will nourish your body and help you feel your best!
Last week I took the viral baked feta pasta and put a healthy twist on it by bumping up the protein (to almost 40g 🙌🏼) and fiber to bring in more balance to a delicious cheesy pasta 🍝
This recipe is super easy to make and is perfect for meal prep. Make it and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, or even double the recipe and freeze some for an easy balanced dinner in the future ✨
Recipe makes 4 servings
Ingredients
4oz block feta cheese
1 pint cherry tomatoes
4 garlic cloves
1 tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper
1 lb. chicken breast, boneless & skinless
lemon pepper seasoning
8oz (dry) pasta (any kind - pick a fun shape!)
1 cups spinach (fresh), roughly chopped
1 cup marinara sauce
Recommended: serve with steamed green beans for extra volume & fiber
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Add the feta to a 9x13 glass baking dish. Spread the tomatoes and garlic cloves around the block of feta, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the feta begins to brown and tomatoes are soft.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the chicken on it. Sprinkle the tops with lemon pepper seasoning and bake in the oven (400F as well) for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
While the chicken and feta bake, cook the pasta according to the box instructions. Drain and set aside when it’s done.
When the tomatoes and feta are done, remove from the oven mash the block of feta with the tomatoes (breaking up the tomatoes to release their juices). Then, immediately add the spinach, basil, and pasta sauce and mix until well combined.
Finally, add the cooked pasta and mix one more time.
To serve, put some of the pasta on a plate - or into tupperware containers if you’re meal prepping! Then, slice the cooked chicken and place it on top. Enjoy!
Nutritional Info (per serving): 435 calories | 9g fat | 51g carbs | 38g protein