Imagine coming home from a long day and making a delicious, healthy ground chicken pasta in just 20 minutes. This easy chicken pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It has simple ingredients and cooks quickly, so you can have a tasty meal fast. Ground chicken pasta is a great choice for those who want healthy meals that are easy to make.
This recipe lets you enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. You can also customize it to your liking, adding your favorite ingredients. Whether you want a classic dish or something new, this recipe is a great starting point.
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Key Takeaways
- You can make a delicious ground chicken pasta dish in just 20 minutes
- This easy chicken pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights
- Ground chicken pasta is a healthy and nutritious option that is packed with protein and fiber
- You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes and add your favorite ingredients
- This recipe is a great option for those looking for healthy ground chicken recipes that are easy to make
- With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you can have a tasty meal on the table in no time
- This recipe serves 6 people and can be made with just a few ingredients, including ground chicken, pasta, and your favorite spices
Why Ground Chicken Pasta is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Ground chicken pasta is a top pick for healthy ground chicken recipes on busy weeknights. It’s quick to make and packed with nutrients, perfect for families on the go. Ground chicken cooks fast, beating other proteins in speed.
A creamy chicken pasta dish is a tasty way to use ground chicken. It adds flavor and health to your meal. Plus, you can tweak your homemade chicken pasta to fit your taste, making it a flexible choice for any night.
Ground chicken pasta is also budget-friendly. Buying ground chicken in bulk saves money. It’s great for pasta, tacos, and meatballs. Ground chicken pasta is a smart pick for busy weeknights.
Essential Ingredients for Ground Chicken Pasta
To make a delicious ground chicken pasta dish, you’ll need some key ingredients. You’ll need 1 pound of ground chicken breast or a mix of dark and white chicken. Also, 8 oz of dry pasta, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and spices like chili powder and Italian seasoning are needed.
A great easy chicken pasta recipe starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This ensures your dish tastes and feels its best. You’ll also need 1 large carrot, finely chopped, ½ onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
For a one-pot chicken pasta recipe, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, ½ cup of dry white wine, and ½ cup of evaporated milk. Also, 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper are important for flavor.
Consider adding sliced mushrooms, diced red onion, and fresh basil to your ground chicken pasta recipe. These ingredients can enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, making it more enjoyable.
By using these essential ingredients and a simple recipe, you can make a tasty easy chicken pasta recipe for a weeknight dinner. Whether you prefer a one-pot chicken pasta dish or something more complex, these ingredients will help you create a great meal.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make tasty homemade chicken pasta, you’ll need the right tools. A big, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven is key for cooking the ground chicken and pasta. You’ll also need a chef’s knife, cutting board, and colander.
Optional tools include a food processor or stand mixer for sauce prep, and a pasta machine for homemade pasta. A cast iron skillet or carbon steel pan is best for cooking. A silicone spatula and wooden spoon are handy for stirring and serving.
Here’s a list of the necessary kitchen tools and equipment:
- Large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Colander
- Food processor or stand mixer (optional)
- Pasta machine (optional)
- Cast iron skillet or carbon steel pan
- Silicone spatula
- Wooden spoon
With these tools, you can make many delicious homemade chicken pasta dishes. This includes ground chicken pasta bake and chicken and mushroom pasta.
| Tool | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Chef’s Knife | Essential for chopping ingredients | $18 – $205 |
| Cutting Board | Necessary for preparing ingredients | $12 – $82 |
| Colander | Crucial for draining pasta | $22 – $56 |
Preparing Your Ingredients
To start making your easy chicken pasta recipe, you need to prepare your ingredients. This includes chopping the onion and cooking the ground chicken. You can use different types of onions, such as shallots, white onions, or red onions, depending on your preference. For a healthy ground chicken recipe, make sure to cook the ground chicken until it is browned and cooked through.
When preparing your ingredients, it’s essential to measure them accurately to ensure the best flavor and texture. You will need 1 pound of ground chicken, 2 cups of pasta, and other ingredients like shredded cheddar cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream. You can also add some garlic parmesan chicken pasta seasoning to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing your ingredients:
- Chop the onion finely to ensure it cooks evenly
- Cook the ground chicken until it is browned and cooked through
- Measure the ingredients accurately to ensure the best flavor and texture
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and healthy garlic parmesan chicken pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With a total preparation time of 5 minutes and a total cooking time of 26 minutes, you can have a tasty meal on the table in no time.
Step-by-Step Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe
To make a tasty ground chicken pasta, start by cooking the ground chicken. Then, prepare the sauce and mix everything together. This dish is like a one-pot chicken pasta but you can add your favorite ingredients, like mushrooms, for a chicken and mushroom pasta.
Begin by cooking the ground chicken in a pan with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt. Once it’s cooked, set it aside. Next, make the sauce with marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and some pasta water. Don’t forget to add sautéed onions and garlic for extra flavor.
Now, mix the cooked ground chicken, sauce, and pasta together. Top it with grated Parmesan cheese. This ground chicken pasta is quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
Flavor Variations and Add-ins
Homemade chicken pasta offers endless possibilities. You can experiment with different ingredients and spices. For a creamy twist, add garlic powder and parmesan cheese. This makes your dish rich and delicious.
Adding vegetables like peas or greens can enhance flavor and nutrition. You can also try different cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta. This will give your garlic parmesan chicken pasta a unique taste.
Here are some ideas for flavor variations and add-ins you can try:
- Mediterranean style: add some olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese to give your pasta a Mediterranean twist
- Creamy garlic parmesan: add some garlic powder and parmesan cheese to create a rich and creamy sauce
- Spicy Mexican twist: add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to give your pasta a spicy kick
Remember, the key to a great homemade chicken pasta is to experiment and have fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust the recipe to your taste. With a little creativity, you can make a delicious and unique creamy chicken pasta dish.
| Flavor Variation | Ingredients | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean style | olives, artichoke hearts, feta cheese | a Mediterranean twist with olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese |
| Creamy garlic parmesan | garlic powder, parmesan cheese | a rich and creamy sauce with garlic powder and parmesan cheese |
| Spicy Mexican twist | diced jalapenos, red pepper flakes | a spicy kick with diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes |
Tips for the Perfect Texture and Taste
Making delicious ground chicken pasta requires the right texture and taste. Start by cooking your pasta al dente. This keeps it firm and holds its shape well with the sauce. For a tasty dish, use 1 pound of ground chicken with 1 cup of sauce.
For a healthier option, choose lean ground chicken and add lots of veggies like onions, carrots, and mushrooms. These add flavor, texture, and nutrients. To enhance your dish, add dried herbs like oregano or thyme, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Cook your ground chicken until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Use a mix of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Don’t overcook your pasta. Al dente is best to keep the dish’s texture and flavor.
| Tips | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Cook pasta al dente | Helps pasta hold its shape and texture |
| Use lean ground chicken | Reduces fat and calorie content of dish |
| Add plenty of vegetables | Increases flavor, texture, and nutrient content of dish |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Storing and reheating your homemade chicken pasta is key to keeping it safe to eat. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For boiling water, heat for 30 to 60 seconds. For the oven, use 350℉ for 15 to 20 minutes. On the stovetop, sauté for two to five minutes.
Here are some reheating tips:
- Microwaving: start with 1 to 1.5 minutes, with additional increments of 15 seconds if needed.
- Add a few drops of water or sauce in the microwave to prevent pasta from drying out or sticking together.
- Reheated food should reach and maintain an internal temperature of 165°F (70°C) for at least 2 minutes.
Always check the pasta’s internal temperature before eating. This ensures your homemade chicken pasta is safe to enjoy.
| Storage Method | Storage Time | Reheating Method | Reheating Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 5 days | Microwaving | 1-2 minutes |
| Freezing | Up to 3-4 months | Oven Reheating | 15-20 minutes |
| Refrigeration | Up to 3-4 days | Stovetop Reheating | 2-5 minutes |
Conclusion
Now you know how easy and tasty this ground chicken pasta recipe is. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s healthy, budget-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes.
Feel free to try different flavor variations and add-ins. This way, you can make it your own. It’s a great way to add variety to your meals.
We’d love for you to try this easy chicken pasta recipe. Share your thoughts with us. Let us know what you liked and any changes you made. Your feedback helps us keep bringing you tasty and healthy ground chicken recipes. Enjoy your meal!