Hello, food friends! I love finding meals that are tasty and easy to make, especially when I am busy during the week. I want to share with you a recipe for one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta. It has really changed how I cook! Who doesn’t enjoy a delicious and cheesy pasta dish that is easy to clean up? I know I do! This recipe is simple and combines everything in one pan, giving you all the yummy flavors you want. It’s great for those nights when you need a quick and filling dinner.
Table of contents
Ingredients to make our One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Ground Chicken | 1 pound | Can substitute with ground turkey if preferred |
| Pasta | 1 pound | Penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups | Low sodium preferred |
| Diced Tomatoes | 1 (14.5 oz) can | Undrained |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | Yellow or white onion |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Freshly minced is best |
| Italian Seasoning | 2 teaspoons | Adds a great depth of flavor |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional, for a little heat |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Cream Cheese | 4 ounces | Cut into cubes for faster melting |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup | Or your favorite melting cheese |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this incredibly easy recipe with ground chicken, you’ll need just a few essential tools:
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: A 12-inch skillet with high sides works best for even cooking.
- Cutting Board: For chopping the onion and garlic.
- Knife: A good chef’s knife for easy chopping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Tools to help you measure ingredients correctly.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring while cooking and keeping things from sticking.
Quote
“This one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe is not only convenient but also a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort with every bite.”
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: For your large skillet, put a tablespoon of olive oil on it and place it on the fire at medium-high heat. Put the chopped onion into the skillet and let it cook until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, put the minced garlic into the mixture and cook for another minute, or until the garlic has a fragrant smell.
- Brown the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and break it up with a spatula or spoon. Cook until it’s browned all the way, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if needed. I know that I do this every time to achieve better consistency.
- Add the Flavor Boosters: Mix in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and black pepper. Cook for about one more minute to let the flavors come out. This will make the dish taste really good!
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a boil, and then add the pasta. Be sure that the pasta is mostly submerged. If not, add a little extra broth.
- Simmer and Cook: Set the heat to medium-low then cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed. It is recommended to stir the pasta from time to time to ensure that it does not stick to the bottom of the skillet.
- Melt in the Cheeses: Remove the cover and stir in the cubed cream cheese until it’s completely melted and everything is combined.
- Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet again, turn off the heat, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheddar cheese is melted and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta while it simmers. You want it to be al dente, not mushy.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak the spices based on your preference. Add more or a little red pepper flakes for heat, or try adding a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melting results, try grating your own cheese. It melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some extra veggies. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just add them with the onions so that they can cook through properly.
- Drain Excess Fat: Before adding the tomatoes and broth, if there’s a lot of fat from the ground chicken, drain some of it away to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
“One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe” Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish is great on its own, but you can enhance the experience with some delicious sides:
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread for dipping in all that cheesy goodness.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus would make a tasty and healthy addition.
- Sprinkle with Red Pepper Flakes: Add a little more red pepper flakes for those who like a little more heat.
- Extra Cheese: A little parmesan cheese on top right before serving; it never hurts.
Nutritional Information
(Estimated per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 550-650
- Protein: 35-45 grams
- Fat: 25-35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
- (Note: These numbers are just guesses and could change based on the specific ingredients you use.)
Variations or Alternatives
- Spicy Version: Add a touch of hot sauce or some cayenne pepper to give it more spice.
- Creamy Tomato Version: Instead of using diced tomatoes, try using a can of crushed tomatoes. Add a bit more heavy cream to thicken and make the sauce creamier.
- Vegetable Medley: Add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to make it healthier.
- Different Cheeses: Try swapping cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
Conclusion
This one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe is a great solution for those who want to prepare a tasty meal in a short amount time. Here is a quick and easy recipe that will make pan one of delicious and comforting food that is perfect for those busy weeknights or when you are feeling hungry. It’s also a perfect way of serving up a filling and home-cooked meal that is both delicious and easy to prepare.
Key Takeaways:
- Quick and easy one-skillet meal.
- Uses simple and accessible ingredients.
- Customizable with different veggies and cheeses.
- Perfect for weeknights when time is tight.
- Satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
FAQ Section
Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works great.
Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute.
Yes, it is possible to make it in advance and store it but it tastes much better if made right before serving. When reheating it one may have to include some liquid to ensure that it does not become hard.
You can use low-fat cheese options, add more veggies, and use whole wheat pasta.
Yes, although the pasta texture may change slightly when thawed.
Who Should Skip This Recipe?
Okay, let’s be real for a moment – this one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe is pretty amazing, but it’s not for everyone. So, if you fit into one of these categories, you might want to consider a different option. Don’t worry! There are many tasty recipes available!
- Gluten-Sensitive Folks: This recipe is packed with gluten goodness from the pasta, so if you have a sensitivity or intolerance, this one might cause some tummy troubles. Don’t fret, though! There are plenty of great gluten-free pasta options to try instead.
- Low-Carb Dieters: With a good amount of pasta, this dish is not ideal if you are watching your carb intake. It’s quite carb-heavy, so it might not fit into your daily plan. Consider one of the many low-carb recipes available on the blog instead!
- Dairy-Free Crew: As you might’ve guessed, this recipe is loaded with cheese. If you’re avoiding dairy, this would not be the best choice. Fear not! You can modify or find a fantastic alternative that doesn’t include dairy.
- Low-Sodium Watchers: With the chicken broth and cheese, this dish has a decent amount of sodium. If you need to watch your salt intake, you may need to modify it or choose a recipe lower in sodium.
- Those Who Dislike Cheese: While it’s hard for me to imagine, if you are one of those people who don’t like cheesy recipes, this one might not be for you.
Your health and what you eat are important. There are many tasty choices, so you won’t miss out on good food!
What Do You Think?
So, there you have it – my go-to one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe. It’s a perfect blend of ease and flavor, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Let me know in the comments below if you do, and tell me what did you think or if you tried any variations. Also, what other recipes would you like me to try? I would love to know!
My Personal Touch ?
Making ground chicken pasta is always a joy in my kitchen. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also evokes warm memories of cozy evenings with my family. I still remember the first time I tried this recipe: I was running late from work and needed something quick yet comforting. It came together in under 30 minutes and was such a hit that I knew I had to share it.
Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe by experimenting with different cheeses and vegetables, and this version is my absolute favorite. I’ve discovered that adding a little bit of red pepper flakes provides it a nice kick without being overpowering. Each time I make it, the aroma of garlic and Italian seasoning fills my kitchen, making it feel like home. I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me!