🍝 Ground Chicken Pasta That’s Weeknight-Ready & Family-Approved

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A Comforting Dinner That Feels Like a Hug (in Under 30 Minutes)

Let’s face it—between work, errands, and chasing the kids (or maybe your dog who thinks socks are toys), some nights just demand a no-fuss dinner that doesn’t taste like a compromise. That’s where this ground chicken pasta recipe comes in, like the culinary version of your comfiest hoodie: warm, comforting, and always dependable.

Hi, I’m Maria from Time to Cooks, and trust me, if you’ve got 30 minutes, a pound of ground chicken, and a hungry crew to feed, you’re about to become the dinner hero of your household. This dish checks all the boxes: flavorful, creamy, packed with hidden veggies (hi, spinach!), and so simple, it practically makes itself.

Ready to turn “what’s for dinner?” into “can we have this again tomorrow?” Let’s cook!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Pasta

  • Time-Saving: Ready in 30 minutes (or less if you hustle!).
  • Wholesome Ingredients: Lean ground chicken, fresh spinach, whole-wheat pasta—yep, we’re keeping it light and tasty.
  • Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters won’t complain. It’s cheesy, saucy, and basically a warm hug in a bowl.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Because we all know the worst part is the dishes.

Need more creamy, comforting pasta vibes? Check out this creamy marry me chicken pasta next. It’s romance… in a skillet.

🛒 What You’ll Need (Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor)

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
  • ÂŒ teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces whole-wheat penne
  • 2 cups unsalted chicken broth
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Âœ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • Âœ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
  • Âœ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but come on—cheese!)

🔁 Substitution Tip: No penne? Swap in rotini, rigatoni, or whatever short pasta is hiding in your pantry.

đŸ‘©â€đŸł How to Make Ground Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Let’s Get Things Sizzlin’

Grab your favorite large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your red onion and sautĂ© until fragrant—just about 2-3 minutes.

Then add the ground chicken. Cook it down, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning and salt. Your kitchen is already starting to smell so good.

Step 2: Build That Sauce Like a Boss

Toss in the grape tomatoes and stir them around until they start to soften, about 2 minutes. Next, add the whole-wheat penne (uncooked), chicken broth, marinara sauce, and heavy cream.

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cover it and let the magic happen for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing sticks. The pasta will cook right in the sauce. (Yes, fewer dishes. You’re welcome.)

Step 3: Veg It Up, Cheese It Down

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the spinach and basil. The spinach will wilt almost instantly, so don’t worry—it’s not as much as it looks at first!

Add the mozzarella and Parmesan, then give it a good stir so everything melts into one big cheesy, creamy dream.

Step 4: Serve & Celebrate

Dish it up, sprinkle with extra basil (if you’re feeling fancy), and let everyone dive in. Maybe keep seconds nearby. They’ll ask.

💡 Maria’s Tips for Ground Chicken Pasta Bliss

  • Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes while sautĂ©ing the chicken if you like a little kick.
  • Go Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and cream, and use coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
  • Meal Prep MVP: This recipe reheats beautifully, making it a great option for lunch leftovers. Hello, office envy.

đŸ€« Pro Tip: If your sauce looks too thick? Splash in a little extra broth. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. No stress, no mess.

🧑‍🍳 Maria’s Take: Why I Keep This in My Weekly Rotation

This recipe actually started as a “clean out the fridge” night. I had some leftover marinara, a bag of spinach on its last breath, and ground chicken I forgot I bought. And wouldn’t you know—it turned into a dish my family asks for every week.

Now it’s my go-to for everything from Sunday meal prep to “oh no, it’s 6:30 PM and I forgot to defrost something” panic moments.

And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous next time, give this cowboy butter chicken linguine a try—same comfort, totally different (but equally delicious) flavor profile.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and has a similar flavor and texture. Just season it the same way.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yep—just swap the whole-wheat penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Can I sneak in more veggies?

Do it! Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all blend in beautifully.

Is this spicy?

Not as written—but you can easily turn up the heat with a dash of chili flakes.

Dinner doesn’t have to be fancy or fussy to be fabulous. This ground chicken pasta is proof that a few simple ingredients, a trusty skillet, and a little love can create something the whole family looks forward to. Bonus: You only used one pot, so the cleanup is blessedly minimal.

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