One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

4.8

(27)

24 Reviews

Make this cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a glass of red wine.

Karen Rankin

Updated on July 20, 2024

Reviewed by Dietitian

Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Nut-Free Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground chicken
1 cup chopped red onion
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
8 ounces whole-wheat penne
2 cups unsalted chicken broth
1 cup marinara sauce
½ cup heavy whipping cream
5 ounces fresh baby spinach
½ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
½ cup low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Heat oil in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook, stirring often to break up the meat, until cooked through and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add onion, tomatoes, Italian seasoning and salt; cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened and the tomatoes are breaking down, 4 to 5 minutes.

Sonia Bozzo
Stir in pasta, broth, marinara and cream; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in spinach (in batches, if necessary), basil and mozzarella; cover and cook until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Garnish with more basil and Parmesan, if using.

Victor Protasio

Equipment

Large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ground chicken good for you?

Ground chicken can contain both white and dark meat, both of which can fit into a healthy eating pattern. Chicken is an excellent source of protein and offers several micronutrients, including vitamin B3, selenium and choline.
Is whole-wheat pasta better for you than white pasta?

White pasta is made from refined wheat flour, which has had the outer layers of the wheat kernel removed. These outer layers contain a wealth of vitamins, minerals and fiber. This is why we use whole-wheat pasta in our recipes. Whole-wheat pasta contains more fiber and retains the natural nutrients found in wheat.
Is cheese healthy?

While some types of cheese can be high in sodium, mozzarella cheese is a lower-sodium option, especially if you use fresh mozzarella. Mozzarella cheese—and many other types of cheese—offer a wealth of nutrients, including protein and calcium. Compared to a lot of other cheeses, mozzarella is lower in saturated fat.
What type of pasta should I use?

We use whole-wheat penne for this recipe, but feel free to use whole-wheat mostaccioli, ziti, fusilli, rotini, gemelli, cavatappi or any other short pasta. Shorter pasta is easier to stir during cooking and sticks less than longer pasta shapes. Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente before stirring in the spinach.
How do you serve One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta?

This main dish pairs well with vegetable sides, including Balsamic & Parmesan Broccoli, Green Beans with Pine Nuts & Gremolata, Roasted Asparagus Parmesan and Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Panko. Serve with crusty bread and a simple side salad to round out the meal.
Can you cook ground chicken like ground beef?

The process will be the same as cooking in a skillet or in the oven, but the temperature needs to be lower because you don't want to dry out the chicken. Ground beef has more fat, so it can withstand higher cooking temperatures.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S., Jan Valdez and Linda Frahm

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, September 2021

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

410	Calories
19g	Fat
38g	Carbs
24g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 1/4 cups
Calories 410
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 38g	14%
Dietary Fiber 6g	21%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 24g	48%
Total Fat 19g	24%
Saturated Fat 8g	40%
Cholesterol 95mg	32%
Vitamin A 2533IU	51%
Sodium 469mg	20%
Potassium 831mg	18%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.