Delicious Ground Chicken Pasta Recipes for Weeknights

As a busy home cook, finding quick, nutritious meals was a challenge. Ground chicken pasta recipes changed my weeknight dinners. They made meals healthy and tasty.

Ground chicken pasta recipes are incredibly versatile. They can be made into many delicious dishes in just 30 minutes. Whether you want creamy, spicy, or veggie-packed meals, these recipes will change your meal planning.

Cooking with ground chicken is not just easy. It’s also a healthy choice, offering high-quality protein without too much fat. The best part? You can make amazing meals at home, impressing your family and saving money.

Key Takeaways

• Ground chicken offers a lean, versatile protein option for pasta dishes
• Meals can be prepared in 30 minutes or less
• Recipes are adaptable to various flavor profiles
• Provides a healthier alternative to traditional ground beef
• Perfect for busy weeknight dinners

Essential Guide to Ground Chicken Pasta Recipes

Learning to make tasty ground chicken pasta dishes is exciting. I’ll show you how to make healthy and delicious casserole and pasta bake recipes. These will make your weeknight dinners special.

Ground Chicken Pasta Recipes

Are you struggling to find quick, nutritious meals for your weeknights? Look no further than ground chicken pasta recipes. These versatile dishes offer a perfect balance of flavor and health, making them ideal for busy schedules.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 8 oz pasta penne, rotini, or fusilli
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 cup marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth or pasta water
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
• Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
• Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Add marinara sauce and chicken broth. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
• Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella (if using) and let it melt.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg

Keyword easy pasta, ground chicken, high-protein, One-pan meal, Quick dinner, weeknight dinner

Benefits of Using Ground Chicken in Pasta Dishes

Ground chicken is great for healthier meals. It’s lean and versatile, packed with nutrients, and takes flavors well. It has less fat than ground beef but still tastes great.

• Lower fat content
• High protein value
• Easy to season
• Quick cooking time

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make a healthy ground chicken pasta, you don’t need much. Just a few tools are needed:

1. Large skillet or Dutch oven
2. Measuring cups
3. Sharp chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Wooden spoon

Basic Ingredients Overview

Starting with ground chicken pasta is easy. Just know the key ingredients. Keep your pantry stocked with items that make your dishes better.

Knowing these basics lets you make tasty ground chicken pasta. Your dishes will be healthy and enjoyable.

One-Skillet Creamy Ground Chicken Pasta

Making a creamy ground chicken pasta skillet is simple. It combines tender chicken, cooked pasta, and a rich sauce. Everyone will want more.

This recipe for ground chicken pasta with white sauce is quick, taking just 30 minutes. It’s easy to make and clean up is minimal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 8 ounces medium penne pasta
• 1/2 medium sweet onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Cooking Process

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet
2. Cook ground chicken for 3-5 minutes until browned
3. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent
4. Stir in garlic and seasonings for 1 minute
5. Sprinkle flour and cook for an additional minute

The secret to creamy pasta is the sauce. Simmer it for 6-8 minutes for rich flavors. Heavy cream and cheddar cheese make it creamy.

Stir pasta every 2-3 minutes to avoid sticking. This dish is ready in 30 minutes, great for weeknights.

Storage is easy – keep it in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It stays flavorful and fresh.

Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta: A Tex-Mex Twist

Make your weeknight dinner exciting with a ground chicken pasta dish. It brings the bold flavors of Tex-Mex to your table. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a meal that will delight your taste buds.

This ground chicken pasta with veggies combines fajita zest with pasta comfort. It’s a quick, tasty meal for busy families. It’s perfect for those looking for something flavorful and exciting.

Spice Blend for Perfect Fajita Flavor

To get that authentic fajita taste, you need the right spice blend. Here’s what I use:

• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Vegetable Combinations

Choosing the right veggies is key for a great ground chicken pasta primavera. My top picks are:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Cooking Tips for Maximum Flavor

Here’s how to make your ground chicken pasta full of flavor:

1. Brown the ground chicken well
2. Sauté veggies until they’re slightly caramelized
3. Save 1/2 cup of pasta cooking liquid
4. Add cheese at the end for creaminess

This ground chicken pasta is not only tasty but also nutritious. It has about 436 calories per serving. It’s packed with 47g of protein and only 20g of carbs. It’s a balanced meal that’s full of flavor.

Pro tip: Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors!

Quick and Easy Ground Chicken Pasta Skillet

I’m excited to share my favorite easy ground chicken pasta dish. It makes weeknight cooking a delightful experience. This ground chicken pasta skillet is perfect for busy home cooks who want a simple yet satisfying meal.

My 3 ingredient ground chicken recipes are designed to be stress-free and delicious. With just a few basic components, you can make a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

• Active cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total preparation: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 people

The secret to this incredible pasta skillet is using high-quality ground chicken and fresh ingredients. I’ll guide you through a recipe that’s not just quick but packed with flavor.

Pro tip: Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in your ground chicken pasta skillet.

Cooking this dish is incredibly straightforward. Brown the ground chicken in a skillet for 6-8 minutes. Then, add pasta and broth, and simmer until the pasta is perfectly al dente. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal solution.

• Cook ground chicken until browned
• Add pasta and broth
• Simmer until pasta is cooked
• Optional: Top with Pecorino Romano cheese

Nutrition-conscious cooks will appreciate that this ground chicken pasta dish offers a balanced meal. It has approximately 410 calories per serving, with 24g of protein and essential nutrients.

Healthy Ground Chicken Pasta with Vegetables

Making a healthy ground chicken pasta dish is simple. Ground chicken is a lean protein that makes pasta meals nutritious and tasty.

Nutritional Benefits

Choosing healthy ground chicken pasta with veggies is a great choice. Ground chicken is a good protein source with less fat than ground beef. A serving has:

• Protein: 23g per serving
• Calories: Approximately 337 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Total Fat: 11g

Portion Control Guidelines

Ground chicken is perfect for dieting. Smart portion control lets you enjoy pasta while staying healthy. Use:

1. 1 pound of ground chicken
2. 8 ounces of dried pasta
3. 1-1/4 cups of chicken stock
4. 1/4 cup sour cream
5. 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

To make your pasta healthier, try these swaps:

• Replace regular pasta with whole grain varieties
• Add extra vegetables for more nutrition
• Use low-fat cheese options
• Incorporate herbs for flavor without calories

Follow these tips to make a nutritious and tasty ground chicken pasta.

Creamy Ground Chicken Marinara Pasta

Making creamy ground chicken pasta is simpler than you think! I’ll guide you in turning a basic marinara into a fancy dish. It shows ground chicken can be great for pasta. This recipe mixes marinara’s rich taste with a creamy texture, making everyone want more.

Let’s look at the main ingredients for our creamy ground chicken marinara:

• 1 pound lean ground chicken (97/3 ratio)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 4 oz fat-free cream cheese
• 3 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz pasta shells

The secret to creamy ground chicken pasta is mixing a tomato base with a smooth sauce. Cook the ground chicken for 15 minutes to get deep flavor. The cream cheese makes the sauce smooth and keeps it light.

Nutritional highlights of this dish include:

• 34 grams of protein per serving
• 5 grams of fiber
• Only 335 calories per serving
• 31 grams of carbohydrates

So, can you use ground chicken for pasta? Absolutely! Ground chicken is a lean protein that takes flavors well. It’s a healthier choice than beef.

Pro tip: Cook the pasta in the sauce for 6 minutes for the best texture. This meal is ready in 55 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Mediterranean-Style Ground Chicken Pasta

Explore a vibrant and tasty way to enjoy healthy ground chicken pasta recipes. It’s like a trip to the sunny Mediterranean coast. My Mediterranean-style ground chicken pasta salad is a mix of fresh ingredients and bold flavors for a memorable meal.

Simple ground chicken pasta recipes are great because they’re versatile. They let you use fresh, bright ingredients. This dish is both nutritious and delicious.

Fresh Herb Combinations

For a true Mediterranean taste, pick the right herbs. Here are some great combinations:

• Fresh basil and oregano
• Chopped parsley and mint
• Dill and thyme
• Rosemary and sage

Sauce Preparation Tips

For a top-notch Mediterranean sauce, use the best ingredients and know how to balance them. Here are my top tips:

1. Begin with extra virgin olive oil
2. Add fresh garlic and lemon juice
3. Include light cream or yogurt
4. Season with sea salt and cracked pepper

My Mediterranean ground chicken pasta is great hot or cold. It’s perfect for any healthy meal plan. Try different herb mixes to create your own unique flavor!

30-Minute Ground Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Making a simple ground chicken pasta recipe is easy. I’ve created a quick and healthy dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, nutritious meal.

This dish combines lean protein with spinach, making it balanced and tasty. The secret is to add lots of flavor without spending too much time cooking.

Ingredients Breakdown

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 5 ounces fresh spinach
• 14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup half and half
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Nutritional Highlights

Start by browning the ground chicken in a large skillet. Then, add pasta, broth, and tomatoes. Let it simmer until the pasta is tender.

Stir in the spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps its color and nutrients bright.

Finish by adding half and half and sprinkling cheese on top. This makes the dish creamy and satisfying. It’s both delicious and healthy.

Make-Ahead Ground Chicken Pasta Meals

Preparing ground chicken pasta casseroles ahead of time can change your weeknight dinners. I’ve found ways to make tasty meals that save time and cut down on cooking stress.

Simple ground chicken pasta recipes are great for busy families. They offer healthy meals without long kitchen hours. Here are my best tips for making and storing these easy dishes.

Refrigeration Storage Guidelines

When making ground chicken pasta bake, remember these storage tips:

• Store cooked pasta in airtight containers
• Put it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking
• It stays good for up to 4 days in the fridge
• Use shallow containers to cool food faster

Effective Reheating Techniques

Reheating your ground chicken pasta needs attention to keep it tasty and moist:

1. Oven method: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, heat for 25-30 minutes
2. Microwave method: Use medium power, stir often, heat for 2-3 minutes
3. Add chicken broth to prevent dryness
4. Make sure it heats to 165°F for safety

Pro tip: Portion meals before storing to make reheating easier and more convenient!

Freezing Best Practices

Some ground chicken pasta casseroles freeze well. Here’s what I suggest:

• Use freezer-safe containers
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge
• Reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 60 minutes

By following these tips, you’ll have tasty, time-saving meals all week long.

Conclusion

In this journey, we’ve seen how ground chicken recipes can make pasta nights special. These recipes are a great source of protein, making them a tasty alternative to meat. They offer home cooks a variety of delicious meal options.

We’ve talked about healthy ground chicken pasta recipes that are easy to make. They show that you can have tasty, nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor. You can also adjust these recipes to fit your taste and dietary needs.

I suggest trying out these ground chicken pasta recipes to spark your creativity in the kitchen. They’re perfect for any meal, whether it’s a quick dinner or a special occasion. Remember, cooking is all about trying new things and making dishes your own.

Adding these recipes to your cooking routine will open up a world of tasty, healthy meals. Your family and friends will love them. So, let’s make our kitchens places of fun and delicious food!