One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe
Welcome to your next favorite weeknight dinner solution! Our One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe is decadently delicious AND super easy to make!
It turns comforting flavors into a filling, nourishing, and crowd-pleasing meal. With an approximate prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, it serves up to six people. This makes it PERFECT for busy weekdays!
Each serving is packed with flavors, combining rich and creamy ingredients with the tang of tomatoes. It even has leafy spinach for an extra health boost. Of course, you can vary some of these supporting ingredients depending on who you’re cooking for, so there’s still plenty of room for creativity!
Peak Comfort Food!
Comfort food is more than just food; it’s about feeling warm and cozy and remembering good times. Cheesy Pasta dishes, like this One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta, are perfect examples. They offer creamy textures and rich flavors that bring people together.
Why Choose Ground Chicken for Your Pasta?
Choosing ground chicken for your pasta dishes has many benefits. It’s a healthier option compared to ground beef, with less fat. This means it has fewer calories, which is great for those looking for high-protein meals.
Ground chicken is also packed with protein. This makes it perfect for healthy chicken recipes that meet nutritional needs.
Ground chicken is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B3, selenium, and choline. These nutrients are vital for our health. Plus, it absorbs flavors well, making dishes like pasta with marinara sauce and cream taste amazing.
This combination of taste and nutrition makes meals satisfying and healthy.
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values of a typical ground chicken pasta dish:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Fat | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Total Sugars | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 469mg |
| Potassium | 831mg |
Adding ground chicken to your meals helps you eat a balanced diet. It also brings a lot of flavor to your favorite dishes.
One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe
Making a tasty meal is easy with this One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe. It mixes lean ground chicken with fresh ingredients in one skillet. This recipe is quick, taking about 25 minutes to make.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you need for this delicious one-skillet dish:
- 1 pound ground chicken (90% lean)
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- 2 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 8 ounces whole-wheat penne
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to cook the pasta perfectly:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound of ground chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Break it up with a spoon.
- Stir in 1 cup of chopped red onion, 1 cup of halved grape tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook until the onion softens and the tomatoes start to break down, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add 8 ounces of whole-wheat penne, 2 cups of unsalted chicken broth, 1 cup of marinara sauce, and ½ cup of heavy whipping cream. Bring to a simmer and cover, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente, around 10-12 minutes.
- Fold in 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach and ½ cup of chopped fresh basil in batches as needed. Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted, about 2 minutes. Garnish with additional basil and optional Parmesan before serving.
Benefits of Using Whole-Wheat Pasta
We here at JFG embrace all things cheesy, gooey, rich, and decadent. And this recipe fits right in with all that. But if you like, you can pull back a little bit on the extreme decadence and make some tweaks to the recipe.
For example, whole-wheat pasta is a healthier choice than white pasta. It keeps the bran and germ of the wheat, adding extra fiber and nutrients. This fiber is key for digestion and keeps blood sugar stable.
Whole-wheat pasta has a nutty flavor and a heartier texture. It pairs well with rich, cheesy sauces. Using whole-wheat penne in the One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta makes your meal better and healthier.
Here’s a quick comparison of whole-wheat pasta versus white pasta:
| Type of Pasta | Fiber Content (per serving) | Protein (per serving) | Calories (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-Wheat Pasta | 6g | 8g | 210 |
| White Pasta | 2g | 7g | 200 |
Adding whole-wheat pasta to your meals boosts healthy eating. It’s a great choice for any pasta dish.
Variations: Exploring Different Pasta Shapes
Choosing the right pasta is key to making delicious dishes (plus picking out the pasta shapes is always super fun!). This recipe uses whole-wheat penne, but you can try other shapes to change the taste and look. Knowing the differences between short and long pasta helps pick the best for your meals.
Short Pasta vs. Long Pasta Options
Short pasta shapes are great for holding onto rich sauces. They’re perfect for creamy dishes. Try fusilli, rotini, or ziti for a good sauce hold.
Long pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, can also be used. They give different textures and sauce experiences. Always cook pasta al dente for the best taste.
| Pasta Shape | Texture | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Fusilli | Curly and spiral | Great for thick sauces and casseroles |
| Rotini | Twisted | Good for holding onto chunky sauces and dressings |
| Ziti | Tube-shaped | Perfect for baked dishes and creamy sauces |
| Spaghetti | Long and thin | Classic for marinara and lighter sauces |
| Fettuccine | Flat and wide | Ideal for rich, creamy dishes |
Trying different pasta shapes can make a simple recipe exciting. Each shape adds its own special touch, making cooking fun and creative.
Making Your Dish Extra Creamy and Cheesy
Turn your One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta into the ULTIMATE comfort food. Add more creamy and cheesy elements to make it extra rich and even more indulgent. If this sounds like you, then you’re speaking language! These Cheese Tips will help you make your dish especially gooey…
Tips for Adding More Cheese
- Incorporate cream cheese or ricotta for an extra layer of richness in your creamy pasta dishes.
- For a diverse flavor profile, mix in different cheeses such as gouda or fontina along with the standard cheddar and mozzarella.
- Modify the quantity of cream and cheese based on your taste preferences. More cheese typically results in a richer sauce.
- Top the dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese right before serving for an added cheesy crunch.
- Consider blending in some heavy cream during the cooking process to enhance the overall creaminess.
Pairing Suggestions for Your Pasta Dish
To make your One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta even better, try adding some tasty Side Dishes for Pasta. A fresh side salad with greens, tomatoes, and a light dressing adds a nice crunch. Roasted veggies like asparagus and zucchini add color and taste great with the pasta.
For Pasta Pairings, garlic bread is a top pick. Its crunchy outside and soft inside pair well with the creamy pasta. If you want something more, a light vegetable risotto alongside the pasta makes for a satisfying meal.
At a dinner party, pair your pasta with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. These wines enhance the pasta’s flavors without taking over.
Trying out different sides can make your meal more exciting. Whether it’s a salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread, these Side Dishes for Pasta will enhance your main dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
After enjoying your One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta, it’s key to store leftovers well. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating, you can use the microwave or stovetop. Adding chicken broth or cream helps keep the pasta creamy and flavorful. This trick makes the dish taste as good as when it was first made. Here’s a simple guide for reheating:
| Method | Instructions | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave | Place in a microwave-safe container, add a splash of liquid, and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. | Check consistency; add more liquid if needed. |
| Stovetop | In a skillet, heat with a splash of liquid over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. | Perfect for restoring creaminess while maintaining flavor. |
Health Benefits of the Ingredients Used
The One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta recipe is packed with healthy ingredients. Ground chicken is a lean protein source, low in fat but high in B vitamins and selenium. It has about 24g of protein per serving, making it a great choice for nutritious meals.
Whole-wheat pasta adds a lot to the dish’s health benefits. It boosts fiber intake, which is good for digestion. It also helps control blood sugar levels, thanks to its lower glycemic index. This makes it perfect for those who want to eat healthy and stay full.
Fresh spinach and tomatoes add vitamins A and C, which are key for a strong immune system and healthy skin. Tomatoes also have antioxidants that protect the body. Garlic, with its antimicrobial properties, adds to the dish’s health benefits.
To give you a quick look, here’s a table of the main ingredients and their nutritional benefits:
| Ingredient | Benefits | Nutritional Contribution (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Chicken | Lean protein source, low in fat | ~24g protein |
| Whole-Wheat Pasta | High in fiber, supports digestive health | ~38g carbohydrates |
| Fresh Spinach | Rich in vitamins A and C | Varies with serving size |
| Tomatoes | High in antioxidants | Varies with serving size |
| Garlic | Antimicrobial properties | Varies with serving size |
| Shredded Cheese | Source of calcium and protein | Combined ~19g fat |
The recipe also uses heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil. This adds healthy fats that are good for the heart. Together, these ingredients make a dish that’s not only tasty but also very healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we will address some Common Cooking Questions about the One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta. We’ll cover ingredient substitutions, dietary modifications, and cooking tips. This will help everyone get the best results.
Many chefs ask if they can swap ground chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey is a great substitute. For vegetarian options, mushrooms or lentils work well. They keep the dish tasty and satisfying.
The recipe uses 1 pound of ground chicken and 8 ounces of pasta, cooked separately. For creaminess, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Two cups of shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, melt beautifully, creating a delightful mix.
- Don’t hesitate to add vegetables. Spinach or bell peppers can enhance nutrition and taste.
- If you prefer, fresh parsley or grated Parmesan can serve as optional garnishes.
Need More Inspirations?
Need a rich and decadent dessert to go with your One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe? Check out this list of incredible desserts that are also super easy to make!
