If you’re in search of a cozy, family-friendly meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, look no further than One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Imagine creamy pasta enveloped in melty cheese, perfectly seasoned ground chicken, and aromatic garlic—all harmonizing to create a comforting dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to whip up this delightful recipe, but here are a few that stand out. First and foremost, it’s a quick meal that can be on the table in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Plus, it’s budget-friendly; ground chicken is often less expensive than beef or pork, and it’s packed with lean protein—perfect for health-conscious families. Kids adore it for its cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the familiar flavors of Italian cuisine.
“This recipe transformed our family dinners! Everyone loves it, and I love how easy it is to make!”
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that will have you feeling like a culinary pro. You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic to build a robust flavor base, then add ground chicken, seasonings, and broth to bring the dish together. Once the pasta is cooked right in the skillet, you’ll finish it off with milk and cheese until it reaches that creamy, dreamy state we all crave. Here’s a quick roadmap before diving into the details.
What You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial, and here’s what you’ll require for this delicious pasta dish:
- 8 ounces of Pasta (penne or fusilli works best)
- 1 pound of Ground Chicken (or ground turkey/beef if you prefer)
- 2 cups of Chicken Broth (you can also use vegetable broth)
- 1 cup of Milk (or cream for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup of Shredded Cheese (an enticing mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, diced
- 3 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning (or feel free to substitute with oregano or basil)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Fresh Parsley for garnish (if you want to add a pop of color)
Feel free to play around with these ingredients; if you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth will do just fine!
Directions to Follow
Ready to get cooking? Here’s a user-friendly guide to prepare this delectable dish:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add in the ground chicken and break it up with a spatula. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add the pasta to the skillet and cook according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the milk.
- Mix in the shredded cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This cheesy pasta dish is absolutely versatile and can be served in numerous ways. For a wholesome meal, pair it with a crisp side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. A slice of garlic bread on the side can elevate the dining experience too! As for beverage pairings, a chilled white wine or sparkling water can complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
After enjoying this delicious meal, you may find that leftovers are a wonderful bonus, but proper storage is key. Allow the pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the microwave or a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For even more flavorful pasta, consider sautéing a few chopped bell peppers or spinach along with the onion. Additionally, if you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process can add a nice kick. If you’re looking for a quicker option, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be thrown in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap out the ground chicken for turkey, beef, or even a plant-based ground option for a vegetarian twist. You could add in seasonal veggies, like zucchini or tomatoes, to elevate the dish further. For a fun flavor change, try adding a spoonful of pesto or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy mix.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta?
The total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy choice for dinner.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace regular pasta with a gluten-free variety, and ensure that the chicken broth you use is also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Allow the pasta to cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a bit of milk to restore creaminess.
This One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. With its simple preparation and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your home!
PrintOne-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta
A quick and creamy one-skillet meal featuring ground chicken, pasta, and melty cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of Pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 pound of Ground Chicken (or ground turkey/beef)
- 2 cups of Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup of Milk (or cream)
- 1 cup of Shredded Cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
- 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, diced
- 3 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning (or oregano/basil)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add pasta to the skillet and cook according to package instructions (about 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in the milk.
- Mix in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Great for family dinners and versatile enough to adapt with different proteins or veggies.