Directions

Heat oil in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook, stirring often to break up the meat, until cooked through and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add onion, tomatoes, Italian seasoning and salt; cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened and the tomatoes are breaking down, 4 to 5 minutes

MEAT & POULTRY

CHICKEN

HEALTHY CHICKEN MAIN DISH RECIPES

HEALTHY CHICKEN PASTA RECIPES

One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

4.7

(27)

24 REVIEWS

Make this cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a glass of red wine.

By Karen Rankin Updated on February 13, 2024

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

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Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

6

Nutrition Profile:

Nut-Free Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free

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What Type of Pasta Should I Use?

We use whole-wheat penne for this recipe, but feel free to use whole-wheat mostaccioli, ziti, fusilli, rotini, gemelli, cavatappi or any other short pasta. Shorter pasta is easier to stir during cooking and sticks less than longer-shaped pasta. Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente before stirring in the spinach.

How to Serve One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

This main dish pairs well with vegetable sides, including Balsamic & Parmesan Broccoli, Green Beans with Pine Nuts & Gremolata, Roasted Asparagus Parmesan and Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Panko. Serve with crusty bread and a simple side salad to round out the meal.

Additional reporting by Jan Valdez

SONIA BOZZO

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound ground chicken

1 cup chopped red onion

1 cup halved grape tomatoes

2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon salt

8 ounces whole-wheat penne

2 cups unsalted chicken broth

1 cup marinara sauce

½ cup heavy whipping cream

5 ounces fresh baby spinach

½ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

½ cup low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Directions

Heat oil in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook, stirring often to break up the meat, until cooked through and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add onion, tomatoes, Italian seasoning and salt; cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened and the tomatoes are breaking down, 4 to 5 minutes.

Stir in pasta, broth, marinara and cream; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in spinach (in batches, if necessary), basil and mozzarella; cover and cook until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Garnish with more basil and Parmesan, if using