One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe

Cooking dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe, you can create a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will love – and with minimal cleanup! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines hearty ground chicken, gooey melted cheese, and pasta into one irresistible skillet masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-skillet simplicity: Save time and effort by cooking everything in a single skillet.
• Family-friendly: Packed with cheesy goodness and savory flavors, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Quick and easy: From start to finish, this meal takes just 30 minutes to make.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces penne pasta (or your choice of short pasta)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in paprika and red pepper flakes, if using, to enhance the flavor.
3. Incorporate liquids and pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well, then add the pasta. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
4. Add the cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency.
• Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks; if the skillet starts to dry out, add a splash of water or broth.
• For extra veggies, toss in some spinach or bell peppers when adding the aromatics.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 450
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

This one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a hearty, comforting meal without the hassle. Make it tonight and enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness!