If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful dish, Skillet Chicken Pasta with a Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect choice! This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet
- Nutritious & Flavorful: Packed with protein, fiber, and delicious cheese
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this savory and cheesy dish, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Sauté the Ground Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add Aromatics and Vegetables
- Stir in red onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Toss in grape tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes.
3. Incorporate Pasta and Liquids
- Add whole wheat penne, chicken broth, marinara sauce, and heavy cream.
- Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cover. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Cheese and Greens
- Once the pasta is tender, mix in baby spinach and let it wilt.
- Stir in mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Final Touches & Serving
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Customization
- Swap Protein: Try using ground turkey, beef, or plant-based crumbles.
- Pasta Choices: Use gluten-free pasta or swap for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for heat.
For more inspiration, check out these easy weeknight dinners that are both quick and satisfying.
What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta
- Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh green salad or crispy garlic bread.
- Beverages: A light red wine (like Pinot Noir) or a sparkling lemon water complements the dish well.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Skillet Chicken Pasta Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Bulgur wheat Soaked in water for about 30 minutes, drained
- 2 cups Fresh parsley Finely chopped
- 1 cup Fresh mint leaves Finely chopped
- 1 Cucumber Diced
- 3 medium Tomatoes Diced
- 1/4 cup Green onions Finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Olive oil Extra virgin for best flavor
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper Adjust to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bulgur: Place the bulgur wheat in a large bowl. Pour in 1 cup of hot water, cover, and let it soak for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain any excess water and fluff the bulgur with a fork.Chop the vegetables and herbs: While the bulgur is soaking, finely chop the parsley, mint, cucumber, tomatoes, and green onions.Combine the ingredients: Once the bulgur is ready, add the chopped vegetables and herbs to the bulgur in the bowl.Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the bulgur and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until evenly coated.Chill and serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the tabbouleh for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or light meal!
Notes
- Bulgur texture: If you prefer a softer texture for your bulgur, let it soak for an extra 10-15 minutes, and be sure to drain any excess water well.
- Vegetable variations: You can adjust the ratio of cucumber and tomatoes depending on your preference. Some people like more cucumber for extra crunch or more tomatoes for a juicier salad.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is key to this recipe, as it brightens the flavors. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best taste.
- Make ahead: Tabbouleh is even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time.
- Gluten-free option: If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using quinoa instead of bulgur. It has a similar texture and is naturally gluten-free.
- Herb substitutions: You can experiment with adding other herbs like cilantro for a slightly different flavor, but parsley and mint are the traditional choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
2. Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! Try rotini, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta.
3. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking, and add a splash of olive oil if needed.
4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just add shredded rotisserie chicken in step 4 instead of cooking raw ground chicken.
Conclusion
This one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe is a must-try for busy nights when you need a hearty meal with minimal effort. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, family-friendly dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying!
Looking for more one-pan meals? Check out these healthy one-skillet dinner ideas for more inspiration!