Simple One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe​

Ready for a dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious? This One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new go-to weeknight meal, guaranteed to make your taste buds dance happily! Picture this: savoury, cheesy goodness cooked in just one pan—yes, you read that right, just ONE skillet! No fuss, no mess, just pure comfort food bliss.

But here’s the kicker: it’s customizable, so whether you’re a cheese lover, spice enthusiast, or veggie fanatic, this recipe can be made how you like it. Stick around because I’m about to show you how to make the perfect cheesy pasta, and trust me, you’ll want to take notes (or bookmark this gem for later)! Keep reading because we’ve got tons of tasty tips ahead.

Ingredients for One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! The best part about this recipe is that you don’t need much fancy stuff—just some simple, good-quality ingredients that come together perfectly. Ready? Here we go:

• Ground Chicken – The star of the show! Opt for lean ground chicken for a healthier twist, or go for regular if you want more juiciness. Fresh is always best, but if you’ve frozen, that works too!
• Pasta – I love a short pasta here like penne, rotini, or shells—something that will soak up all that cheesy goodness. But seriously, any pasta shape you have on hand will work in a pinch!
• Cheese – We’re talking about the melty, gooey, life-changing stuff. Mozzarella is my go-to, but feel free to mix it up:
  • Parmesan for extra salty flavour (hello, cheese lovers!).
  • Cheddar for that sharp, rich taste.
  • Cream Cheese or Ricotta for a creamier texture.
• Olive Oil – A slight drizzle to cook your chicken and bring it all together.
• Garlic – Because garlic makes everything better. Fresh or minced, either will do!
• Chicken Broth – For that savoury, simmered flavour. You can swap for vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian version.
• Heavy Cream or Milk – For that dreamy, creamy sauce. If you’re feeling lighter, go for milk; heavy cream’s your BFF if you want extra indulgence.
• Seasoning – Salt and pepper. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick or Italian seasoning for some extra herb action.

Optional Add-ins or Substitutions

• Veggie Boost – Toss some spinach, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra colour and nutrients.
• Cheese Swap – Can’t find mozzarella? No worries! Try a blend of Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist.
• Make It Spicy – Add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to reduce the heat.
• Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free? – It’s easy to customize:
  • For a dairy-free version, go with non-dairy milk and cheese.
  • For a gluten-free meal, swap in your favourite GF pasta!

Step-by-Step Directions for One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe

Get ready to unleash your inner chef because this one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta comes together faster than you can say “cheese pull!” Let’s break it down, step by step:

• Grab your trusty skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add your ground chicken, and let it cook away while using a wooden spoon (or spatula) to break it into small, bite-sized pieces. The goal is to cook it through until it’s golden and no longer pink.
• Add tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder,Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper as it cooks.
• Cook while stirring frequently until the tomatoes start to break apart, about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the chicken—give it some space in the pan so it gets nice and browned. If it’s too crowded, you’ll get soggy chicken, and nobody wants that!

• Add your pasta directly into the skillet! Yes, you heard me right—no separate pot needed.
• Pour enough chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer) to cover the pasta. Bring it to a simmer, cover it, and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure everything’s cooking evenly.
• add a little heavy cream (or milk if you’re keeping it lighter) to create that creamy, dreamy sauce.Stir until it’s all nice and gooey.
• Add the spinach (in batches if needed) along with the basil and mozzarella; cover and cook until the spinach has wilted and the cheese is melted, which should take about 2 minutes.
• Garnish with basil and Parmesan.

If you’re a pasta lover, try our Pasta with Pesto and Salmon. This quick and easy dish combines al dente pasta with rich, flaky salmon and vibrant pesto sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Customization Ideas for Your Pasta Skillet

Who says one recipe has to be the same every time? Let’s get creative and make this One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta YOURS! Whether you’re feeling adventurous or have some dietary needs, there are many ways to mix things up. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Protein Alternatives

• Ground Turkey – Swap ground chicken for lean, tasty turkey for a lighter yet just-as-delicious version.
• Ground Beef – For a heartier, richer taste, use ground beef. It’ll add a satisfying depth of flavour.
• Plant-Based Crumbles – Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Use plant-based crumbles (think beyond beef or lentils). It’s a great way to keep all the flavour with no meat!

Veggie Add-Ins

You know I love sneaking in some extra veggies for flavour and nutrients. Add any of these to make your pasta even more colourful and delicious:

• Spinach – A handful adds a pop of green and a healthy boost.
• Bell Peppers – Sweet bell peppers give it a crunchy, vibrant twist.
• Mushrooms – These earthy beauties bring an umami-packed punch.
• Zucchini – Sautéed zucchini adds bulk and flavour without overwhelming the dish.

Cheese Options

It’s cheese heaven, folks! Whether you want to stick with the classics or get fancy, here are some options:

• Mozzarella – The go-to for creamy, melty goodness.
• Parmesan – For a nutty, salty bite that’ll make your pasta pop.
• Cheddar – Sharp, bold, and full of character—perfect for the cheese lover in you!
• Blend It Up – Mix and match! Try mozzarella with cheddar, or get fancy with a three-cheese blend for extra gooey goodness.

Spice It Up

A little heat can take this dish from cosy to wow! Here’s how you can add some zing:

• Red Pepper Flakes – Sprinkle a pinch for that perfect balance of heat and flavour.
• Hot Sauce – Got a favourite hot sauce? Drizzle while cooking, or let everyone add their own at the table.
• Cayenne Pepper – Want it hotter? A dash of cayenne will bring the spice to the next level!

Storage and Reheating for One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

Leftovers are the best part of any meal, right? Whether you’re meal prepping for later or want to save some cheesy goodness for tomorrow, here’s how to store and reheat your One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta without losing that creamy, cheesy perfection.

Storing Leftovers

• After you’ve enjoyed your delicious dinner, let the pasta cool down completely (don’t rush the process—good things take time!).
• Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. That’s plenty of time for another round of cheesy goodness later!
• Tip: If you know you’ll eat it later in the week, portion it into smaller containers so you can grab and go whenever you need a quick meal.

Freezing

• Do you have way more pasta than you can handle? No problem—this dish freezes like a dream.
• Allow the pasta to cool fully before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• It can stay in the freezer for 2-3 months—so go ahead and save some for those “I don’t feel like cooking” days.
• Pro Tip: Label your containers with the date to know when to reheat.

Reheating

• When you’re ready to bring this cheesy pasta back to life, you have a couple of options:
  • On the Stove: Reheat it over low heat in a skillet, adding a little splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally, and watch the magic happen!
  • In the Microwave: Pop it in the microwave in a covered dish for a quicker option, stirring occasionally to ensure everything heats up evenly.

What to Serve with One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

You’ve got your creamy, cheesy pasta all ready to go, but what’s a meal without the perfect sides? Let’s amp up the flavour with these easy and tasty additions. Get ready to make your plate even more delightful!

Side Salad

• A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette perfectly contrasts the rich, cheesy pasta. Think arugula, spinach, or a mix of greens tossed with a zesty lemon or balsamic dressing. It’s the refreshing bite your taste buds will thank you for!
• Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or toasted nuts for that extra crunch and flavour.

Garlic Bread

• Is it even dinner if there isn’t garlic bread involved? A warm, crispy loaf of garlic bread is a MUST. It’s the perfect tool for mopping up any leftover sauce in your skillet.
• Tip: Go for a buttery, crispy finish by broiling it for a minute or two to get that golden, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Roasted Vegetables

• Let’s make this meal even more wholesome with some roasted veggies. Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots are the perfect healthy side to balance all that cheesy goodness. They’re roasted to crispy, caramelized perfection and packed with flavour.
• Pro Tip: Toss your veggies with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt before roasting to bring out all the natural sweetness.

If you enjoy this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment below! We’d appreciate any tips or photos of your results. Thank you for being part of our community! 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions about One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe

Can you cook pasta in the same pan as chicken?

Yes, you can cook the pasta directly in the same pan as the chicken, which allows the pasta to absorb the flavours of the ground chicken pasta with white sauce. This method simplifies cooking and enhances the overall taste. It’s perfect for a simple chicken mince pasta recipe!

Can you cook ground chicken?

Cooking ground chicken is quick and easy. Sauté it in a pan with olive oil, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even browning. It’s a key step in many healthy ground chicken pasta recipes, like this creamy chicken mince pasta recipe.

Can you cook pasta directly in the sauce?

Absolutely! Cooking pasta directly in the sauce creates a rich, flavorful base and ensures the pasta soaks up all the deliciousness of the sauce. This method works great for ground chicken pasta recipes, where you want everything to come together in one pan.

Can you cook chicken directly in sauce?

Yes, you can cook chicken directly in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the savoury flavours. This is a great technique, especially in ground chicken pasta alfredo, where the sauce needs to be creamy and flavorful.

Can you use chicken broth instead of water for pasta?

Using chicken broth instead of water adds depth to the dish, making it more flavorful. For a ground chicken pasta bake, chicken broth helps infuse the pasta with a richer taste, complementing the creamy white sauce.

Can you add fresh pasta straight to the sauce?

You can add fresh pasta directly to the sauce, which will cook quickly, absorbing all the flavours. This method works well in ground chicken pasta with white sauce, creating a delicious, creamy texture in no time.

Can we eat pasta and chicken together?

Yes! Pasta and chicken are a classic pairing, and they work wonderfully together in a dish like a creamy chicken mince pasta recipe. The combination of ground chicken and pasta recipes is filling, hearty, and flavorful.

What meat can you put in pasta?

While ground chicken is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with turkey, beef, or even plant-based options. Ground chicken recipes are incredibly versatile, and you can easily swap out proteins to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you prefer, whether penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine. Different pasta shapes can add variety to your ground chicken pasta with white sauce or ground chicken pasta alfredo.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

For a creamy, cheesy finish, mozzarella and parmesan are excellent choices. Both cheeses melt beautifully, adding a rich and gooey texture to the healthy ground chicken pasta recipes.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety like rice or corn. For a dairy-free version, swap the cheese for plant-based options and use non-dairy milk instead of the cream in the creamy chicken mince pasta recipe.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, this ground chicken pasta bake can be prepared in advance. Assemble the dish, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready for a quick and satisfying meal.