Imagine coming home after a long day and wanting a tasty meal. No need for hours of cooking or a mess of dishes. A one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe is here to save the day. It turns weeknight dinner into a quick and easy meal.
This recipe is more than a meal; it’s a lifesaver for busy families. It’s ready in just 30 minutes. You’ll make a dish that’s both healthy and full of flavor. Everyone will want more.
Key Takeaways
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Single skillet makes cleanup a breeze
- Packed with lean protein and cheesy goodness
- Perfect for families and meal prep
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Nutritionally balanced meal option
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools for Your One-Skillet Meal
Making a family-friendly meal is easy with this simple skillet pasta dish. You need the right ingredients and tools for a smooth cooking experience.
Main Components for Your Skillet Pasta
Your one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta needs a special mix of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8 ounces whole-wheat penne pasta
- 15 ounces marinara sauce
- 1-1/4 cups chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheese blend
Required Kitchen Equipment
The right tools make cooking better. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 3.5 quart Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden cooking spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Fresh Produce and Seasonings
To make your simple skillet pasta dish better, add these fresh ingredients:
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Chopped basil
- Minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
“The secret to a great meal is using fresh ingredients and the right tools!” – Home Cooking Enthusiast
With these ingredients and tools, you’re set to make a delicious family meal. It’s ready in 20-45 minutes. Each serving has about 337 calories, 23g of protein, and great flavors.
Quick and Easy Cooking Instructions for this One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe
Making a tasty creamy chicken pasta recipe is easy. It’s a hit with kids and can be ready in 30 minutes. All you need is a simple one-skillet method.
Here’s how to cook it:
- Prepare the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add 1 pound of ground chicken
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking meat into small crumbles
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Add Vegetables and Pasta
- Sauté diced onions for 3-4 minutes
- Add 2 cups of uncooked pasta
- Pour 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup marinara sauce
- Simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender
- Create the Creamy Finish
- Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Add 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Mix until cheese melts (2-3 minutes)
- Optional: Fold in spinach or fresh basil
Pro tip: Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken perfectly.
| Cooking Stage | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Browning Chicken | 5-7 minutes |
| Pasta Simmering | 12-15 minutes |
| Cheese Melting | 2-3 minutes |
| Total Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
“Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious!” – Family Kitchen Wisdom
Your one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta is now ready to delight the entire family!
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Your cheesy one-pot pasta recipe is not only tasty—it’s also full of nutrients. It has proteins, vitamins, and minerals that help you eat healthy.
Protein and Nutrients Breakdown
The ground chicken in this recipe is a lean protein source. It gives you about 24g of protein per serving. This helps your muscles and keeps you full.
- Ground chicken: 24g protein per 3-ounce serving
- Greek yogurt: 10g protein per 6-ounce serving
- Feta cheese: Additional protein and calcium source
Caloric and Nutritional Profile
Here’s a detailed look at the nutrients in this tasty one-pot meal:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 24g |
The spinach and red bell peppers add vitamins A, C, and K. This makes the cheesy pasta a healthy choice for your meals.
“Eating nutritious doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—this recipe proves that healthy can be delicious!” – Nutrition Expert
Using lean ground chicken, Greek yogurt, and fresh veggies makes a healthy dinner. It’s good for your body and tastes great.
Tips for Customization and Variations
Make your simple skillet pasta dish your own with these creative ideas. Every family-friendly meal can have a special touch. This shows off your cooking skills and what you like to eat.
Here are some fun ways to make your one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta even better:
- Pasta Shape Swaps: Try different pasta shapes for a new twist:
- Rotini for extra sauce-catching texture
- Penne for a robust bite
- Whole wheat pasta for added nutrition
- Vegetable Mix-Ins: Add more nutrients with these veggies:
- Spinach for iron and color
- Zucchini for extra moisture
- Bell peppers for crunch
- Cheese Variety: Mix and match cheeses for a unique taste:
- Mozzarella for stretchy texture
- Parmesan for sharp flavor
- Goat cheese for tangy notes
“Cooking is about passion, creativity, and making each meal uniquely yours.” – Unknown Chef
Here are some ways to make your skillet pasta more inclusive:
| Dietary Restriction | Suggested Modification |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free pasta varieties |
| Dairy-Free | Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast |
| Low-Carb | Replace pasta with zucchini noodles |
The secret to great homemade comfort food is making it your own. Feel free to try new things and change the recipe to fit your taste and health needs!
Conclusion
Your one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe is more than just a meal. It’s a smart choice for busy cooks who want tasty and quick dinners. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, turning simple ingredients into a meal your family will love.
This recipe is flexible, letting you try different proteins and pasta shapes. You can use ground turkey or rotini instead of penne. This makes it easy to make a meal that suits your taste and needs.
Learning this recipe means you’re not just cooking a meal. You’re saving time and making a flavorful dinner. With 24 grams of protein per serving, it’s a healthy choice for weeknights.
Great cooking is about being creative and confident. This recipe is a great start for your cooking journey. Enjoy making it and relish every bite of your homemade skillet pasta.