Let me tell you about my family’s favorite weeknight lifesaver—this creamy Ground Chicken with Pasta! Picture this: it’s 6 PM, the kids are hangry, and I’ve got about 30 minutes to get dinner on the table. That’s when this one-pot wonder saves the day. The ground chicken cooks up fast, the pasta soaks up all that rich, cheesy sauce, and those little grape tomatoes burst with sweetness in every bite. My youngest calls it “confetti pasta” because of all the colorful veggies mixed in. Best part? You’ll only dirty one pan—which means more time for second helpings and less time scrubbing pots!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken with Pasta Recipe
Trust me, this isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (my kids practically lick their plates!). Here’s why it’s a regular in my rotation:
- One-pot magic: Brown the chicken, toss everything in, and let it simmer while you set the table—no juggling multiple pans!
- Weeknight superhero: Ready in 35 minutes flat, even when you forget to thaw meat (ground chicken cooks straight from the fridge!).
- Creamy without the fuss: The broth-heavy-cream combo makes it luxuriously rich, but not heavy like alfredo.
- Sneaky veggie win: Spinach and tomatoes melt right into the sauce—perfect for picky eaters.
Pro tip: Leftovers taste even better next day as the flavors cozy up together!
Ingredients for Ground Chicken with Pasta
Grab your grocery list—we’re keeping things simple but mighty flavorful! Here’s what you’ll need for this cozy one-pot wonder (and yes, I’ve learned the hard way that fresh basil makes all the difference):
- The protein star: 1 lb lean ground chicken (look for 93% lean—it stays juicy without being greasy)
- Veggie squad:
- 1 cup diced red onion (trust me, the sweetness balances everything)
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes (they burst into little flavor pockets!)
- 5 oz baby spinach (packed—it wilts down to practically nothing)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (don’t skip—it’s the “wow” factor)
- Creamy magic:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or sub coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (pre-shredded works in a pinch)
- Grated Parmesan for serving (the real stuff, not the shaky cheese!)
- Pantry heroes:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any short shape you love)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (I use Rao’s when I’m feeling fancy)
- 2 cups chicken stock (low-sodium so you control the salt)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
See? Nothing weird—just honest ingredients that transform into pure comfort. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Ground Chicken with Pasta
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens—everything comes together in one pan for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Follow these steps and you’ll have a creamy, dreamy dinner ready before the kids start asking “When’s food?” for the tenth time.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Chicken
Heat that olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high (I use my trusty 12-inch cast iron). Crumble in the ground chicken—don’t be shy about breaking it up with your wooden spoon! Cook for 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown with no pink spots. Pro tip: If your chicken releases lots of juice, tilt the pan and spoon out excess liquid so we get proper browning, not boiling.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Season
Now toss in those diced onions and halved tomatoes—the sizzle is music to my ears! Stir everything together and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes until onions turn translucent and tomatoes start wrinkling at the edges. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like an Italian grandmother’s house (in the best way possible).
Step 3: Simmer Pasta to Perfection
Here comes the fun part—dump in the dry penne, chicken stock, marinara, and cream. Give it a good stir, then bring to a lively simmer before covering with a lid. Let it bubble away for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is al dente (still has a tiny bite) and most liquid is absorbed. If it looks too dry, add a splash more broth—pasta can be sneaky like that! If you are looking for other quick pasta ideas, check out this simple pastina recipe.
Step 4: Add Greens and Cheese
Final flourish time! Throw in the spinach and fresh basil—it’ll look like a mountain at first, but trust me, it wilts down in seconds. Once the greens soften, sprinkle mozzarella over the top and cover for just 2 minutes until melty and glorious. Grab your tongs and give everything one last toss—those stretchy cheese strands are my favorite part!
Tips for the Best Ground Chicken with Pasta
Want to make this dish sing? Here are my hard-earned secrets after making this recipe at least 47 times (yes, I counted last month):
- Parmesan matters: That pre-grated stuff? Nope. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into silky ribbons that cling to every noodle. I keep a wedge in my fridge just for this recipe.
- Broth wisdom: Low-sodium chicken stock lets you control the salt—especially important since the cheese adds plenty of savoriness. Taste before adding extra salt!
- Spinach scale: Don’t freak out if your spinach fills the pan—it shrinks to practically nothing. But if you’re feeding veggie-phobes, start with 3 oz and sneak more in next time.
- Heat hack: If your pasta absorbs too much liquid, stir in 1/4 cup warm broth just before serving. It’ll bring back that luscious saucy texture.
Oh—and always make extra. You’ll thank me at lunch tomorrow.
Print
Creamy Ground Chicken with Pasta in Just 35 Minutes
A hearty and creamy pasta dish made with ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich blend of cheeses. Perfect for a quick family dinner.
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 lb ground chicken
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add onion, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cook until onion softens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in pasta, broth, marinara sauce, and cream. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Add spinach, basil, and mozzarella. Cover and cook until spinach wilts and cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken stock for better control over saltiness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor.
- Adjust spinach quantity based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ground Chicken with Pasta Variations
This recipe is like your favorite pair of jeans—super adaptable to whatever you’ve got on hand! Here are my go-tweaks when I need to switch things up:
- Protein swap: Ground turkey works beautifully (just add an extra minute of browning). For a fun twist, try Italian chicken sausage—remove casings and crumble it right in!
- Pasta pals: Gluten-free penne holds up great, or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version (add them raw in the last 2 minutes).
- Dairy-free dream: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan—my vegan sister swears by this version!
The moral? Don’t stress—make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Ground Chicken with Pasta
This dish is practically a full meal on its own, but let’s be real—some nights call for a little extra comfort. Here’s how I love to round it out:
- Garlic bread 2.0: Skip the frozen stuff—toast a baguette with garlic butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan under the broiler while the pasta rests. The crunch is next-level.
- Simple sidekick: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. My kids even eat it when I call it “peppery lettuce.”
- Wine hack: A chilled Pinot Grigio balances the creamy sauce beautifully (or sparkling lemonade for the kiddos!).
Pro tip: Serve straight from the skillet—less dishes, more rustic charm!
Storing and Reheating Ground Chicken with Pasta
Here’s the good news—this pasta actually gets tastier as leftovers! Just let it cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container (I swear by my glass Pyrex). It’ll keep happily in the fridge for 3 days. When reheating, splash in a tablespoon or two of broth or water before microwaving—trust me, this brings back that creamy magic. Stir halfway through and in 90 seconds flat, you’ve got a lunch that beats takeout any day!
Ground Chicken with Pasta Nutrition
Here’s the scoop on what’s fueling your family—nutrition will vary based on your exact ingredients, but per serving, you’re looking at about 450 calories packed with 30g of protein! The spinach and tomatoes add a nice vitamin boost, while that creamy sauce keeps it satisfying without weighing you down. (P.S. Using whole wheat pasta? You’ll get an extra fiber kick!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the top things people ask me about this Ground Chicken with Pasta recipe (usually while scraping their plates clean):
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Absolutely! Just skip the spinach—it gets weirdly slimy when thawed. Freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat with a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess.
What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut milk works like magic—use the full-fat kind in the can. For a lighter option, half-and-half does the trick, though the sauce won’t be quite as luscious.
Can I use ground chicken sausage instead?
Yes! Remove the casings and crumble it right in—it adds amazing flavor. Just watch the salt since sausage is already seasoned.
Help! My pasta absorbed all the liquid.
No stress—just stir in 1/4 cup warm broth or water before serving. Pasta can be sneaky like that sometimes!
Share Your Ground Chicken with Pasta Experience
Did this recipe become your new weeknight hero? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a star rating below or tag me on Instagram—nothing makes my day like seeing your cheesy, veggie-packed creations! Follow along for more quick dinner ideas!
