This easy ground chicken with pasta comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in just one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Essentials:
- 1 pound ground chicken: A lean and flavorful protein that cooks quickly.
- 8 ounces pasta: Any shape you have on hand works, spaghetti, penne, or even rotini.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding that lovely richness.
- 1 onion, diced: Yellow or white works best, adds a sweet, mellow flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: You’ll want this for that delicious aroma.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and acidity, plus it’s super easy!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Because who doesn’t love a little blend of herbs?
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a couple of pinches to enhance all the flavors!
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional): Always a lovely finishing touch!
Optional Additions:
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini, these can really make the dish your own!
- Red pepper flakes: For a little kick, if you’re feeling spicy!
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish and freshness, it just looks so nice!
How to Make Easy Ground Chicken with Pasta
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it warm up for about a minute, it should shimmer but not smoke!
Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes lovely and translucent.
Add the Garlic: Toss in those 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. You know, that heavenly aroma that makes everyone come running to the kitchen!
Brown the Chicken: Now it’s time to add in 1 pound of ground chicken. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom of the skillet!
Combine with Tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with your 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, and don’t forget the all-important salt and pepper to taste, maybe a couple pinches? Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes.
Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked pasta back into that delicious chicken mixture, tossing it gently until it’s all coated in that savory sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
This has been a family favorite for years! You can even cook with the kids, my eight-year-old loves to help sprinkle in the cheese at the end while my little one stirs the pot. If you’re looking for that warm, cozy meal that brings everyone together, this is it!
If you loved this easy ground chicken with pasta, be sure to check out my Tuscan Chicken and Beans or my easy Ground Beef Stroganoff!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
- This easy ground chicken with pasta comes together in under 30 minutes. With its simple steps and quick cooking times, you’ll be sitting down to dinner in no time!
One Pot Wonder
- Talk about minimal cleanup! Everything is cooked in one skillet, meaning you won’t be spending precious time washing dishes after dinner. Less mess, more time together!
Budget-Friendly
- This dish uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Perfect for those weeks when grocery budgets are tight!
Customizable
- The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, swap in any kind of pasta, toss in whatever veggies you have, or add extra spices for a personal touch! You can literally make it your own every time!
Comfort Food
- It’s loaded with tons of flavor and will feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal that puts smiles on faces and warms hearts.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve this easy ground chicken with pasta with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to really make it complete. And, of course, a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs can never go wrong!
How to Store
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave for quick lunches, or simmer in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it nice and moist. Trust me, it’ll taste just as wonderful!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can absolutely freeze leftovers. Just let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned.
So there you have it! A delicious, comforting, and easy ground chicken with pasta that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does! Remember, the beauty of cooking is in its versatility, don’t hesitate to get creative with this dish. And who knows, you might just find your own favorite twist on it!
Happy cooking! Enjoy every bite! For more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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30 Minute Easy Ground Chicken with Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner made in one pot, featuring ground chicken and pasta that’s comforting and customizable.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Optional veggies: bell peppers, spinach, zucchini
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken, breaking it up, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different veggies or spices. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg