Craving a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal that'll have your family begging for seconds? Look no further than this mouthwatering Ground Chicken Pasta Skillet! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's packed with flavor, nutrition, and pure comfort. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is your ticket to an effortless and incredibly tasty dinner that combines lean protein, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken, 8 oz pasta, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup spinach, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is no longer pink and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), spinach, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture in the skillet. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Ground Chicken Pasta Skillet hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Maximize Flavor: For extra depth, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning.
- Protein Perfection: Ensure your ground chicken is fully cooked by breaking it into small, even pieces and cooking until no pink remains.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together.
- Customize Your Skillet: Feel free to swap spinach with kale or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
- Make It Creamy: For a richer texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch leftovers or make-ahead meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
