Description
Craving something comforting, flavorful, and quick? This One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta is your perfect solution. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines savory ground chicken, gooey melted cheese, and hearty whole-wheat pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs ground chicken
- 8 oz whole-wheat penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in diced red onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, marinara sauce, and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Stir: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be tender, and the sauce will thicken.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid. Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Use lean ground chicken, reduce the cheese, or swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American