This Southwest Feta Pasta is a delightful fusion of bold flavors and creamy textures. The roasted cherry tomatoes and feta cheese create a luscious sauce, while the addition of black beans, spinach, and cilantro adds a fresh and hearty touch. Topped with blackened chicken, avocado, and cotija cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings the vibrant taste of the Southwest to your table.
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Ingredients
Main Pasta Ingredients
cherry tomatoes24oz
red bell pepper, diced1
red onion, diced1/2
block feta cheese1
garlic2clove
T ground cumin1
chili flakes2tsp
dried oregano1tsp
paprika1/2tsp
bunch cilantro1
black beans1can
large handfuls baby spinach2
avocado, sliced1
cotija cheese1
cooked pasta1lb
salt, pepper, olive oil
Blackened Chicken Ingredients
- T cumin seeds1
black peppercorns1tsp- chili flakes1tsp
- smoked paprika1tsp
- sweet paprika1tsp
cayenne1tsp- dried oregano1tsp
- garlic powder1tsp
salt
chicken breasts or thighs4
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
204.2kcal (10.21%)
Protein
8.7g (17.46%)
Carbs
37.0g (13.47%)
Sugars
3.9g (7.86%)
Healthy Fat
1.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Southwest Feta Pasta
For Pasta
- Step 1
Preheat oven to 425 F.
- Step 2
Place cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic in a large casserole dish with the block of feta in the middle.
- Step 3
Sprinkle ground cumin, chili flakes, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Step 4
Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Step 5
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are golden browned and blistered, and the cheese is soft.
- Step 6
Stir the roasted mixture together, mashing the cheese to create a sauce.
- Step 7
Add baby spinach, cooked pasta, black beans, and chopped cilantro (saving some cilantro for serving). Mix well.
- Step 8
Serve pasta topped with blackened chicken, sliced avocado, cotija cheese, and additional cilantro.
For Blackened Chicken
- Step 1
Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat.
- Step 2
Grind cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and chili flakes in a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder.
- Step 3
Mix the ground spices with smoked paprika, sweet paprika, cayenne, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt to create a spice rub.
- Step 4
Coat chicken breasts or thighs with the spice rub.
- Step 5
Sear the chicken in the skillet with oil for 3-5 minutes per side until well browned.
- Step 6
Finish cooking the chicken in the 425 F oven for 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
204.2kcal (10.21%)
Protein
8.7g (17.46%)
Carbs
37.0g (13.47%)
Sugars
3.9g (7.86%)
Healthy Fat
1.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.4g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more black beans or roasted vegetables.
Use fresh cilantro sparingly if you're not a fan of its strong flavor.
Make sure to save some roasted tomatoes and feta sauce for leftovers—it tastes even better the next day.
FAQS
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta as a substitute, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, replace the feta with a vegan cheese alternative and skip the chicken. Add more beans or vegetables for protein.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best as it holds the sauce well.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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Carson Sweezy
(@carsonsweezy)
Food is our common ancestral language. I'm on a mission to Nourish community through food. Food is our common ancestral language. I'm on a mission to Nourish community through food. ...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia