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One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta - featured image

A quick and easy weeknight dinner where pasta cooks directly in a creamy, cheesy chicken sauce in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground chicken (93/7 or 99/0)
  • 8 ounces short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out pasta, milk, broth, and cheese.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and break into small crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink; drain excess liquid if necessary.
  3. Add diced onion to the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and dried herbs; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and milk. Add dry pasta and stir to ensure it is submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente and liquid is absorbed. Add a splash of water if needed.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes to melt, then stir until combined.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Do not add cheese while the pan is on high heat to prevent separation. Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. For a vegetable boost, add frozen peas or spinach in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: one skillet, ground chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta, quick meals, family friendly, comfort food