On a chilly evening, when the world feels a bit too brisk, I find myself craving something warm and comforting—like a big, cheesy hug on a plate. Enter this one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta. It’s like a culinary symphony where tender chicken and gooey cheese dance together in perfect harmony, all in the convenience of a single pan. Imagine a cozy evening, Netflix in the background, and the aroma of this delightful dish wafting through your kitchen.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken along with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking up the chicken with a spatula.
- Incorporate diced onion into the skillet and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked. Lower the heat to a simmer.
- While the chicken is cooking, boil pasta according to package instructions and drain. Add the cooked pasta and marinara sauce to the skillet with the chicken and onions.
- Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Top the dish with grated parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 12 oz cooked pasta (such as rotini or any preferred shape)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 24 oz marinara sauce (Rao’s brand recommended)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 handful fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1740kcal | Carbohydrates: 156g | Protein: 120g | Fat: 78g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 42g | Trans Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 408mg | Sodium: 6570mg | Potassium: 4974mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 3156IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 468mg | Iron: 18mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground chicken?
- Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with other types of ground meat such as turkey or beef, depending on your preference.
- What other types of pasta can I use for this recipe?
- Any pasta shape will work well with this dish. Options like spaghetti, orzo, farfalle, angel hair, or elbow pasta can be used as alternatives to rotini.
- How can I add more flavor to this dish?
- You can enhance the flavor by adding vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers when you add the onions. You can also experiment with different cheeses like fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or feta.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
- To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground chicken with a plant-based protein, such as lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable-based sauces.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, this dish keeps well as leftovers. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Tips
- For extra flavor and moisture, opt for ground chicken that includes both thighs and breasts, as the added fat from the thighs helps prevent dryness.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your family’s favorite, such as rotini, mini ravioli, or orzo, each of which offers a unique texture and taste.
- Enhance the dish by incorporating vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers; add them when you sauté the onions for a more nutritious meal.
- Consider trying various cheeses, such as fresh mozzarella or ricotta, for different flavor profiles, or switch up the sauce with a quick Alfredo or a store-bought pesto for a new twist.
Equipment
- Medium-sized skillet
- Pasta pot or large saucepan for boiling pasta
- Spatula for breaking up and stirring the ground chicken
- Cutting board and chef’s knife for dicing onions and chopping basil
