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one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe

One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe

A hearty, cheesy, and satisfying one-pan meal made with lean ground chicken, creamy tomato sauce, gooey cheeses, and your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is full of flavor, easy to customize, and requires minimal cleanup.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
  • 2 cups (200 g) short pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
  • 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 1 small zucchini, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients:
    Chop all vegetables and mince the garlic. Measure out seasonings and cheeses. Cook pasta until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Ground Chicken:
    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken, season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables:
    In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and chopped onions. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. If using bell peppers or zucchini, add and cook for 5 minutes until tender.
  4. Build the Sauce:
    Return chicken to the skillet. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and heavy cream (if using). Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Add Pasta and Cheese:
    Stir in the cooked pasta. Add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Stir until cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve:
    Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes.

Notes

  • For extra veggies, add spinach in the last minute of cooking.
  • Swap ground chicken with turkey or plant-based meat for variation.
  • To reheat, add a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
  • Author: Opera Cook
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large bowl (approximately 1¼ cups per serving)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: one-skillet pasta, cheesy ground chicken pasta, easy dinner, creamy chicken pasta, weeknight meal, healthy comfort food, high-protein pasta, 30-minute recipe