one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe
Looking for a quick and delicious meal? Try this one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe—creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean protein that keeps this dish hearty without being too heavy. You can easily substitute ground turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
- 2 cups penne pasta: This shape works perfectly to hold the creamy sauce. You can swap in rigatoni rotini, or any short pasta you love!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This melty cheese adds that gooey creamy texture we all crave in a cheesy pasta dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For an extra layer of flavor and that signature cheesy kick.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This helps create a luscious velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This keeps the dish moist and adds a savory base to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the onions garlic, and ground chicken.
- 1 medium onion finely chopped: The perfect base for building flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic minced: A must for that aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste of course!
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil oregano, and thyme to bring that classic Italian flavor to the dish.
- Fresh parsley or basil optional: For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor to top off your dish.
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes: For a little kick! If you enjoy a bit of heat sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the mix for some extra spice.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add some extra veggies like spinach zucchini, or mushrooms. These can be sautéed along with the chicken or added in at the end for a fresh crunch.
- Parmesan cheese: Top your pasta with freshly grated Parmesan for that extra cheesy finish!
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water (this helps flavor the pasta).
- Drop in penne pasta (or your preferred short pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and a splash of the reserved pasta water to help thin the sauce. Stir until combined.
- Add the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle in some fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- For a bit of crunch, top the pasta with some toasted breadcrumbs before serving, or add a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice!
- Once everything is combined and the sauce is smooth, serve your one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Calcium: 250mg
- Iron: 2mg