Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that will satisfy the whole family? Then look no further than this ground chicken pasta recipe! This hearty dish is sure to please everyone – it’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your own personal tastes. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – all you need is some ground chicken, pasta, and a few basic ingredients like garlic and herbs. It takes only minutes to prepare yet yields an unbelievably tasty meal that even picky eaters won’t be able to resist. Additionally, with just one pot and minimal clean up required at the end of the night, making dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming.
This ground chicken pasta is perfect for busy weeknights; after all, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a bowl of hot food on those cold autumn evenings when life has been particularly hectic. You deserve something special for dinner tonight – why not give this simple but satisfying recipe a try?
Table of Contents
Ingredients
It’s time to get cooking! This delicious and flavourful ground chicken pasta recipe is sure to tantalize taste buds. Let’s gather the ingredients needed for this savoury dish, like building blocks of a puzzle.
We’ll need some pasta shells – enough for four servings – as well as one pound of ground chicken. Additionally, an onion should be chopped up finely in preparation for sautéing. Mmm…the aroma that onion will bring to the kitchen! Finally, we must not forget to grab some garlic cloves and olive oil from our pantry before beginning the meal-making process.
Now that all necessary items are on hand, let us move on to gathering the tools required.
Tools Needed
Gathering the proper tools is an essential part of cooking any dish and this ground chicken pasta recipe is no exception. To get started, we’ll need a few basic kitchen items:
- A large pasta pot with lid
- A cutting board
- A chef knife
These three tools are key to making sure that our meal turns out just right. The pasta pot will be used for boiling the shells until they’re al dente – not too soft, but still tender enough to enjoy. On the cutting board, the onion can be chopped into small pieces before being sautéed in olive oil along with some garlic cloves. Finally, a sharp chef knife will come in handy when preparing other ingredients such as slicing up cooked chicken or mincing herbs for final touches on top of the finished plate.
With these supplies ready at hand, let us move on to preparing the chicken for our delicious ground chicken pasta recipe!
Preparing The Chicken
Ground chicken can be a delicious and versatile option for any meal. In fact, according to the National Chicken Council, it is estimated that Americans eat over 90 pounds of chicken per person each year! This makes ground chicken an ideal choice for our upcoming pasta recipe.
To prepare the meat, start by adding olive oil to a large skillet on medium heat. Once heated, add the ground chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned before transferring to a bowl or plate off to the side while we move onto prepping other ingredients.
Next up in terms of preparation is the tomato paste mixture that will give this dish its bright flavor. To make it, combine equal parts tomato paste and water into one bowl along with some fresh herbs like parsley or oregano if desired. Mix everything together until fully combined then set aside – now it’s time to get cooking!
Cooking The Pasta
Now that the chicken is prepped, it’s time to get cooking! Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in your favorite pasta and cook according to package directions – this should take around 12 minutes or so depending on the shape and size you choose. For best results, make sure to check frequently during cooking for al dente texture.
When the timer goes off, drain the pasta thoroughly before adding it back into the same pot with some olive oil and butter if desired. This will help keep things from sticking together while we work on finishing up our dish. Here are some helpful tips for perfecting pasta:
- Stir often when cooking – stirring helps prevent sticking as well as ensuring even heat distribution throughout each noodle.
- Do not overcook – boiled noodles can become soggy quickly so be mindful of how long they’ve been left in the hot water.
- Taste test regularly – sampling at key points allows you to adjust seasoning levels accordingly before serving!
With these techniques in mind, feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes of pasta until you find what works best for you and your family. With just a little bit of practice, soon enough everyone will start asking for seconds!
Adding Seasonings And Spices
Adding flavor to this ground chicken pasta is all about the seasoning! With a few simple combinations of herbs, spices, and seasonings you can turn ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s an easy way to switch up your meals without having to buy new groceries. So let’s get started on some delicious flavor combos:
- Italian Seasoning – Basil, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Red Pepper Flakes
- Mediterranean Blend – Fennel Seed, Coriander Seed, Marjoram Leaves, Thyme Leaf
- Southwest Fiesta – Cumin Seeds, Cayenne Pepper Flakes, Chili Powder, Paprika
- Asian Fusion– Szechuan Peppercorns, Ginger Root Powder, Star Anise Ground
- Herbes de Provence – Summer Savory Leaves , Rosemary Leaves , Bay Leaf Pieces
The possibilities are endless with these combination ideas but don’t be afraid to try out what sounds good or fun in the moment. If one combination doesn’t work out quite right just take note for next time and keep experimenting until you find that perfect mix of flavors!
Assembling The Dish
Now that we’ve discussed the seasoning possibilities, let’s assemble this delicious ground chicken pasta dish! The ingredients are simple and easy to find at most local stores or markets. All you need is a pound of ground chicken, 12 ounces of your favorite type of long pasta (we recommend spaghetti), and some olive oil for cooking.
To start assembly, heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat with two tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add in the ground chicken along with any seasonings you’ve chosen earlier. Cook until no pink remains and it becomes slightly crispy on the outside. Then set aside onto a plate lined with paper towels while preparing the rest of the dish.
Once all components are ready to go, combine them into one pan. To do so, bring about 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot before adding in 12 ounces of long noodles such as spaghetti or linguine. Boil according to package instructions then drain off excess liquid once cooked throughly. Next add back into the pot the cooked ground chicken plus 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid from the skillet used earlier. Give everything a good stir together over low heat for 3 minutes until heated throughly then serve immediately!
With these few simple steps you’ll have an amazing meal ready to be enjoyed by family and friends alike – bon appetite!
Making A Sauce
To really take your ground chicken pasta dish to the next level, making a sauce is key! There are many different ways you can go about this depending on what flavors you enjoy most. Here are three delicious options that will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more:
1) A tomato-based sauce. This classic goes well with any type of pasta dish and adds an extra layer of flavor. All you need is some fresh or canned tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, olive oil and salt/pepper for seasoning. Simply sauté all ingredients together in a medium skillet until desired texture has been reached then serve over cooked noodles for an amazing meal!
2) A creamy sauce. If you’re looking for something a bit richer than regular tomato sauce, try incorporating cream into the mix instead. Start by melting butter in a small pot before adding heavy cream and stirring continuously until it thickens up. Once ready add in parmesan cheese along with seasonings such as garlic powder or onion flakes to give it extra flavor. Serve this heavenly concoction over warm spaghetti noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience!
3) A butter-sauce. For those who like their sauces light yet flavorful, why not try out a simple butter-sauce? Heat two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan before stirring in freshly chopped parsley, some lemon juice and black pepper to bring out its unique aromatic qualities. Drizzle the finished product over top of your cooked noodles – dinner is served!
No matter which option you choose there’s sure to be something here that pleases every palate so why not get creative and experiment with new ideas? With just these few easy steps you’ll soon have an unforgettable gourmet masterpiece at home that will surely impress family and friends alike!
Combining Ingredients
Having created the perfect pasta sauce, it’s time to bring everything together and make this ground chicken dish come alive! Grab your skillet or pot and start by adding a bit of oil before sautéing some minced garlic and onion until they become fragrant. Throw in the cooked ground chicken followed by any fresh herbs you may have on hand like basil, oregano or parsley for that extra herby kick. Finally, stir in your desired type of tomato-based sauce along with the cooked noodles. Mix all ingredients thoroughly then reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes so flavors can blend together nicely.
The next step is to add some moisture if needed – this will help loosen up the mix as well as enhance its flavor profile even more. Depending on how thick you would like your final product to be, try incorporating either vegetable broth or white wine while stirring continuously until fully incorporated. If at any point things are getting too dry simply add a splash more liquid until desired consistency has been reached.
Once done cooking, top off with grated parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative) plus freshly chopped parsley for garnish – now comes the best part: tasting it! Serve warm over steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for an added nutritional boost and enjoy every savory bite knowing that you just made a delicious meal from scratch using only simple yet flavorful ingredients.
Baking The Dish
Now that the ground chicken pasta is cooked, it’s time to move on to baking the dish. This oven-baked version of the classic recipe will give it a unique flavor and texture that just can’t be achieved with stovetop cooking alone! Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) while preparing an 8×8 inch baking dish with a light layer of oil or butter. Place all of the pre-cooked ingredients into the pan and stir together until fully incorporated. Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over top for added flavor then cover tightly with aluminum foil before popping in the oven for about 30 minutes.
Afterwards, remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes so everything becomes nicely browned and bubbly around edges – this should lock in those delicious juices as well as bring out its full savory potential! When done, take out from oven and let cool slightly before serving up this tasty baked chicken pasta; you’ll know it’s ready when noodles become tender yet still hold their shape without being mushy or overcooked.
The overall aroma plus look of this succulent main course are sure to have everyone asking for seconds – now all that’s left is deciding what side dishes would make great accompaniments…
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to side dishes, you can’t go wrong with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. However, if you’re looking for something more creative and flavorful than the traditional accompaniments, there are plenty of options available! One fun way to dress up your ground chicken pasta is by adding some unique garnishes such as roasted red peppers, olives, artichoke hearts or diced onions. If you want an even bigger flavor boost, try topping off the dish with some fresh herbs like basil or oregano – this will give it an extra punch that’s sure to tantalize taste buds. Additionally, grated parmesan cheese works wonderfully in both baked and stovetop versions of the recipe to add a delicious nutty element along with creaminess.
No matter what combination of sides and toppings you decide on, one thing’s certain: this oven-baked chicken pasta dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether served alone or alongside other favorites, its savory appeal never fails to leave bellies full and satisfied! So why not get creative and see what tasty variations await?
Variations On The Recipe
When it comes to variations on this ground chicken pasta dish, the possibilities are endless! For a spicier take, experiment with adding some diced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re looking for an even more interesting flavor profile, why not try replacing the chicken with spicy-chicken sausage? This will completely change the taste and texture of your meal but still provide plenty of hearty protein.
Vegan eaters have options too – just swap out the chicken for vegan alternatives such as tempeh or lentils. To create a creamier sauce without dairy products, combine almond butter with vegetable broth and seasonings like garlic powder and turmeric. Almond butter is also great at creating a rich consistency all on its own without any extra liquids added in. Dash in some salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy!
No matter what combination you decide to use, one thing’s certain – this flavorful recipe will make everyone happy! So go ahead and start experimenting with different ingredients to craft your perfect bowl of oven-baked deliciousness.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, this ground chicken pasta dish packs a punch! For those counting calories, the protein-rich ingredients make for a hearty meal that won’t leave you feeling deprived. A single serving of this delicious recipe contains approximately 300-400 calories depending on your portion size and type of pasta used.
In addition to its calorie count, this meal also offers plenty of nutritious value. Protein from the chicken provides energy while vegetables add an array of vitamins and minerals. With each bite, you’ll be getting essential nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin C, and fiber – all important components for healthy living.
But there’s more than just macronutrients in play here: herbs and spices can help boost the nutrient content even further. Basil is great for digestion while oregano adds flavor as well as antioxidants; garlic has numerous health benefits ranging from immunity support to reduced inflammation levels. All in all, this dish is full of variety when it comes to both taste and nutrition!
With so much packed into one bowlful, it’s no wonder why this ground chicken pasta recipe is such a crowd favorite. From its satisfying flavors to its nutritional value—this dinner option definitely delivers on both fronts! Now let’s explore some tips for successful preparation…
Tips For Successful Preparation
Do you want to know the secrets for cooking this ground chicken pasta dish flawlessly? With a few easy-cooking tips, you can quickly whip up an amazing dinner that your family and friends will be sure to love!
The first step is to properly drain the cooked pasta. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy or mushy, which can take away from the overall texture of the meal. To ensure evenly drained noodles, use a colander with larger holes – this allows more water to escape while still trapping those smaller pieces of pasta.
Secondly, always opt for good quality ingredients when making this dish. It’s worth investing in higher grade chicken as well as fresh herbs and spices – these add flavor depth and create a restaurant-style experience at home. Plus, using fresher components means fewer preservatives and artificial additives entering into your food!
Finally, don’t forget about portion control when serving your homemade feast. Each person should have enough protein on their plate without overindulging; by being mindful of how much they are eating at one time, everyone will enjoy each bite without feeling overly stuffed afterwards.
Following these simple tips is key to creating a delicious ground chicken pasta recipe that both looks and tastes great every time!
Storage And Reheating Options
Once you’ve completed your ground chicken pasta recipe, it can be stored and reheated for later. Here are five tips to ensure the dish retains its flavor and texture:
- Store in an airtight container or plastic bag – this prevents oxygen from entering the food which could spoil it faster.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking – this helps maintain freshness and reduce bacteria growth.
- Reheat on low-medium heat in a pan with oil or butter – this keeps the noodles tender instead of overly dry and crunchy.
- Consider adding additional liquid when re-heating as some moisture may have evaporated during storage.
- If using microwave, cover bowl loosely so steam can escape without making the food soggy.
These simple steps make sure that your delicious meal remains just as enjoyable no matter how much time has passed since it was originally cooked! As long as you store and reheat correctly, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying your homemade culinary creations over and over again. Now let’s look at troubleshooting common problems that may arise while preparing this tasty dinner dish…
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Cooking a delicious ground chicken pasta dish is an art form, and like any masterpiece, it can sometimes take more than one attempt to perfect. While the rewards of creating a delectable dinner are worth the effort, troubleshooting common problems that may arise during your meal preparation will help you get there faster.
One issue that often crops up when making pasta dishes is sticking noodles – this happens when too much starch from the sauce or liquid causes them to stick together in clumps instead of remaining separate. To prevent this problem, be sure to use enough oil or butter while cooking so that each piece of pasta is lightly coated. You should also stir the pot frequently as the noodles cook, which helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the pan. Additionally, using a large enough pot with plenty of room for water to circulate around all pieces ensures everything cooks evenly without sticking together.
Another common issue many home chefs encounter when preparing this type of dish is unevenly cooked or undercooked pasta. This can happen if you don’t add enough water at first or allow it to reduce too quickly before adding additional liquid as needed. To avoid this dilemma, always start with double the amount listed in the recipe and check periodically during cooking to make sure there’s still enough moisture left in the pot – adding small amounts every few minutes will ensure perfectly cooked al dente noodles!
Whether you’re dealing with stuck-together spaghetti strands or tough undercooked macaroni chunks, these simple tips can help eliminate common issues so you can enjoy a creamy bowl of fragrant Italian delight!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Other Proteins Can I Substitute For The Ground Chicken?
When it comes to cooking, substitutions can be a great way to switch up the flavors in your dish. It’s no different when making ground chicken pasta – you may find that switching out the protein can give the meal an entirely new twist! But what other proteins might work well as a substitute for ground chicken? There are actually quite a few options to choose from, including ground turkey, shredded beef, and ground pork.
Ground turkey is incredibly versatile and makes for a great alternative to ground chicken in many dishes. Not only does it have a similar texture, but its flavor also pairs nicely with traditional Italian ingredients like garlic and tomatoes used in pasta sauces. The leaner nature of turkey meat means it won’t weigh down the meal too much either.
Shredded beef is another option if you’re looking for something heartier than poultry. While more expensive than ground chicken or turkey, this type of red meat has such a distinctive taste that even small amounts go far in terms of flavor. Plus, shredding the beef yourself allows you to control how finely or coarsely you’d like it to be cooked into the sauce.
Last but not least is ground pork, which has become increasingly popular over recent years thanks to its juicy yet mild flavor profile. Ground pork pairs especially well with vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms – perfect additions to any Italian-style pasta recipe! And because pork generally contains higher levels of fat than other types of meats, just a little bit goes a long way towards creating an irresistibly flavorful dish.
No matter which protein you decide on using in your next batch of homemade pasta, there are plenty of delicious alternatives available beyond simply sticking with plain old ground chicken. So why not get creative and try mixing things up a bit? You never know what kind of deliciousness awaits until you give it a shot!
How Long Can I Store The Prepared Dish?
Do you have a delicious ground chicken pasta recipe that is ready to be enjoyed, but now you’re wondering how long it can safely be stored? If so, then this article has the information you need. Storing your prepared pasta dish properly will ensure that it maintains its flavor and texture for as long as possible.
The key to storing your finished ground chicken pasta dish is keeping temperatures low. It’s best to store leftovers in the refrigerator immediately after cooking them. This helps prevent bacteria from growing on the food which could make it unsafe to eat. Refrigeration also slows down enzyme activity which keeps the flavors of the ingredients intact over time. The cooked dish should be placed in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap before being put into the fridge to help keep moisture out and maintain freshness longer.
When stored correctly, most cooked dishes like ground chicken pasta can last up three days in the refrigerator before they start to spoil. To further extend their life span, consider freezing any leftovers within two hours of cooking them. Freezing prevents mold growth and preserves nutrients better than refrigerating does. Frozen meals can typically stay good for up to four months when kept at 0°F (-18°C). Be sure to label and date all containers so that food doesn’t get forgotten about in the back of your freezer!
No matter if you choose to freeze or refrigerate your leftover ground chicken pasta, following proper storage techniques will help keep it safe and delicious for future consumption.
How Can I Make The Dish Spicier?
Are you looking for a way to add something extra to your ground chicken pasta dish? Spicing it up can be the perfect answer! Adding some heat and zest will bring an explosion of flavor that will make your tastebuds sing.
It’s easier than you think to take this recipe from bland to bold. Whether you want an all-out spicy meal or just a hint of warmth, there are lots of ways to give your pasta dish a flavorful kick. Here are four simple steps you can follow for a delicious, fiery dinner:
1) Start by adding herbs like oregano or basil — they’ll give your chicken-spice mix more depth without being overwhelmingly hot.
2) Throw in some chili peppers for intense flavor. You can get as creative as you’d like here — jalapeño, habanero, serrano…the possibilities are endless!
3) If you’re feeling adventurous, try throwing in some spices like cumin or paprika for extra oomph. These ingredients bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and really liven things up.
4) Finally, don’t forget about garlic and onion – they provide subtle yet powerful spiciness that adds complexity and enhances any spicy-pasta dish!
With these tips, you can create a mouthwatering ground chicken pasta with a unique twist and plenty of flavor. From mild sauces to hearty stews loaded with spice, the options are limitless when it comes to elevating this classic Italian favorite into something special. So go ahead – give your pasta-flavor game a boost today!
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?
When it comes to making a delicious pasta dish, the type of pasta used can make all the difference. It is easy to get stuck using one kind of pasta when cooking, but why not switch things up? There are many options available that could add depth and flavor to your meal. Whole-wheat, gluten-free or zucchini noodles are just some possibilities for those who want an alternative to traditional pasta. Here are four tips for adding variety to your dinner plate:
1) Experiment with different shapes such as rotini or farfalle – they have more surface area which allows them to better absorb sauces and other flavors.
2) Look into whole wheat pastas which offer a nutty flavor and added nutrition from fiber content.
3) Consider gluten-free varieties like rice or quinoa if you’re trying to avoid wheat products.
4) Don’t be afraid to try something new – replace regular noodles with zucchini noodles for a tasty twist on this classic dish!
By exploring these options, you can take your ground chicken pasta recipe from ordinary to extraordinary! Each variation offers its own unique experience so don’t hesitate to give them a try. A slight change in ingredients can lead to amazing results – who knows what culinary masterpiece awaits you?
Is There A Vegetarian Version Of This Recipe?
Are you looking for a vegetarian version of this recipe? You’re not alone! Many people are trying to find alternatives to meat-filled dishes. Thankfully, there are plenty of plant-based options that can be used as substitutes in such recipes.
The good news is that it’s easy to make a delicious and nutritious meal sans the chicken. Your main ingredient here would be pasta, which comes in many varieties including whole wheat, gluten free, or even vegan versions. For protein, you could add some beans, tofu, tempeh or nuts – all depending on your preference. Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms and bell peppers also go well with the dish; they provide both flavor and texture.
When preparing the sauce for your ground chicken pasta alternative, you can use ingredients like olive oil, garlic and herbs for extra flavor. You could also try adding tomato paste or white wine for an added kick. Once everything has been cooked together according to instructions (make sure to adjust accordingly if needed), you’ll have yourself a tasty vegetarian meal.
TIP: To get creative with your vegetarian version of ground chicken pasta recipe experiment with different spices and flavors while keeping track of what works best for you!
Conclusion
I believe this ground chicken pasta recipe is a great way to spice up any dinner. The versatility of the ingredients makes it easy to substitute proteins or change up flavors, while still keeping the dish delicious and nutritious. With just a few simple substitutions, you can make this meal vegetarian-friendly as well. Not only that, but you can store leftovers for several days in an airtight container in your fridge.
Overall, I think this recipe provides endless possibilities with regards to customizing it to fit your individual tastes. Whether you prefer more heat or want to switch out the type of pasta used, there are plenty of options available. Plus, being able to use leftover protein from other meals is always a bonus! So next time you’re looking for something different than your typical spaghetti night, give this ground chicken pasta recipe a try – it will quickly become a family favorite!
Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe
Course: PastaCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes300
kcalThis delicious and easy to make Ground Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare and is full of flavor. It’s low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy option for the whole family.
Ingredients
2 tbsp 2 olive oil
2 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb 1 ground chicken
1 tsp 1 Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp 1/2 salt
1/4 tsp 1/4 black pepper
1/4 tsp 1/4 red pepper flakes
2 cup 2 marinara sauce
8 oz 8 penne pasta
1/2 cup 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add the ground chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, for 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Stir to combine.
- Serve the pasta with the grated Parmesan cheese.
