Looking for a dinner that’s easy, healthy, and budget-friendly? Ground chicken pasta is a weeknight winner! It’s simple to throw together, and the whole family will love it. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can tweak it to fit everyone’s tastes and dietary needs.
Ground chicken is a fantastic lean protein source, with less fat than ground beef or pork. It’s also usually a more affordable option, so you can save money without sacrificing flavor.
This article will explore some delicious pasta with ground chicken recipe variations, along with tips and tricks to make the perfect, nutritious meal every time. We’ll cover everything from different sauces to ingredient substitutions, ensuring there’s a ground chicken pasta dish for everyone!
Classic Ground Chicken Spaghetti
This simple recipe for ground chicken spaghetti comes together in under 30 minutes, with very little prep time required. It’s a great weeknight meal, and it’s easy to customize to your family’s tastes.
The key ingredients are ground chicken, marinara sauce, and spaghetti. The marinara gives it a rich, flavorful base, and while spaghetti is the classic choice, you could easily swap it out for rotini, penne, or any other pasta shape.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make it:
- First, cook the ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Be careful not to overcook it; you just want to cook it until it’s no longer pink. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Next, add your favorite marinara sauce to the skillet and let it simmer gently. This will keep the chicken nice and juicy.
- While the chicken is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. For the best texture, cook it al dente, but if you have picky eaters in the house, you might want to cook it a little longer.
“Marry Me” Ground Chicken Pasta
This recipe has a name that suggests it’s particularly delicious and impressive — the kind of dish that could lead to a proposal. The secret? Sun-dried tomatoes and Greek yogurt.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of savory, bright flavor, and the Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture while cutting down on the fat content.
The key ingredients are ground chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the yummy flavors.
Dietitian-approved swaps
Want to make it even healthier? Try these substitutions:
- Use higher-fiber pasta, like chickpea or whole wheat.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth.
Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta
If you love the taste of Tex-Mex, you will adore this one-pot ground chicken fajita pasta. Not only does it have that Southwestern flavor, but it’s also fast and easy to make and clean up.
Tex-Mex flavors
This dish relies on chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin to give it that Tex-Mex taste, and the bell peppers and onions are also common ingredients in fajitas.
Ingredients and cooking method
The key ingredients in this recipe are ground chicken, bell peppers, onions, tomato sauce, and Mexican cheese. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so it’s important to use a high-sided pan to keep the sauce from bubbling over. You’ll also add chicken stock to ensure the pasta cooks properly.
Variations and adaptations
If you don’t have ground chicken, you could easily substitute ground beef, turkey, or pork. For a slightly different flavor, consider using enchilada sauce instead of tomato sauce. To make it vegetarian, try using vegetable broth and adding more vegetables, like zucchini, corn, or black beans.
Sicilian-Inspired Ground Chicken Pasta
This recipe uses Mediterranean ingredients to create a simple and satisfying dish that you can have on the table in around 30 minutes. It relies on pantry staples, fresh herbs, and a few key ingredients that add depth and brightness to the dish.
Mediterranean Ingredients
Crushed tomatoes form the rich and flavorful base of the sauce, while peas contribute sweetness and texture. A sprinkle of ricotta salata adds a salty, creamy component that ties the whole dish together.
Don’t forget to add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to elevate the flavors even further.
Serving suggestions
Serve this pasta with spaghetti squash or vegetable noodles for a low-carb alternative.
Dietary Adaptations
This dish is easy to adapt if you have dietary restrictions. For a dairy-free version, simply swap out the ricotta salata with a dairy-free alternative. If you’re gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Here’s the recipe:
Level Up Your Pasta
Want to kick this pasta up a notch? Here are a few ideas:
The Secret Weapon: Vermouth
A splash of vermouth adds a ton of complexity to the tomato sauce. Start small – a little vermouth goes a long way, and some brands can be on the sweeter side. Add it when you add the wine, letting the alcohol cook off.
Get Your Greens
Baby beet greens, spinach, or arugula all work great in this recipe. Stir them in at the very end, just before serving, so they wilt slightly but still have some texture. Beet greens have a fantastic earthy flavor that complements the chicken and tomato beautifully.
Cheese, Please!
A sprinkle of Parmesan is always a good idea. But don’t be afraid to experiment! Pecorino Romano is another salty, hard cheese that would be delicious on this pasta.
Summary
Ground chicken pasta is a versatile and easy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s also highly customizable, so don’t be afraid to try different sauces, vegetables, and cheeses to make it your own.
Now, get in the kitchen and create your perfect ground chicken pasta masterpiece! And let me know how it turns out!