Easy Ground Chicken Pasta
A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring ground chicken, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces whole-wheat penne
- 2 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup low-moisture part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Optional for added flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground chicken. Break it apart as it cooks and stir occasionally until browned and fully cooked.
Adding the Vegetables
- Chop the red onion and add it to the skillet once the chicken is browned. Stir until the onion becomes translucent.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the halved grape tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and salt to the skillet, stirring everything together and allowing it to simmer until the tomatoes are slightly blistered.
Cooking the Pasta
- In a separate pot, boil water and cook the whole-wheat penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Final Assembly
- Add the drained penne, chicken broth, and marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring everything together until simmering.
- Incorporate the heavy whipping cream and fresh baby spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and let it melt slightly before serving.
Notes
Offers great leftovers and can be served with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Adjust ingredients to your preference for added flavor and texture.