Pasta and Ground Chicken Recipes – Easy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Pasta with Ground Chicken If you love comforting bowls of pasta but want something lighter than beef or sausage, pasta and ground chicken recipes are the perfect solution. Ground chicken is lean, cooks quickly, absorbs flavor beautifully, and pairs well with almost any pasta shape.

This guide will walk you through one of the BEST pasta and ground chicken dishes—creamy, flavorful, family-friendly—and give you variations, tips, and FAQs to make your meal even better.

Let’s dive in!

Why Ground Chicken and Pasta Are a Perfect Match

• Light but satisfying: Ground chicken makes pasta dishes lighter yet still filling.
• Cooks super fast: No long simmering needed—great for weeknights.
• Affordable: Usually cheaper than beef or turkey.
• Healthy option: Lower fat but still rich in protein.
• Very versatile: Works with cream sauces, tomato sauces, pesto, or even one-pot meals.

The Best Pasta and Ground Chicken Recipe (Creamy & Delicious)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
• Salt for boiling water

For the Ground Chicken Sauce

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Creamy Pasta With Ground Chicken

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring salted water to a boil.
• Add your pasta and cook until al dente.
• Save ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Brown the Ground Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
• Add the ground chicken and cook until no longer pink.
• Break it up with a spoon to create small crumbles.

3. Add Aromatics

• Stir in onions and cook until soft.
• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt.

4. Build the Sauce

Add the following to the skillet:

• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce
• Chicken broth

Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then pour in heavy cream.

5. Add Pasta

• Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese.
• Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thick.
• Finish with lemon juice and mix gently.

6. Garnish

• Add parsley on top.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Flavor Variations for Pasta and Ground Chicken Recipes

1. Spicy Ground Chicken Pasta

Add:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
  Perfect for spice lovers!

2. Ground Chicken Pesto Pasta

Replace tomato sauce with:

• ½ cup basil pesto
• Add cherry tomatoes for freshness

3. One-Pot Healthy Ground Chicken Pasta

Cook everything in one pot:

• Pasta
• Ground chicken
• Broth
• Spinach
• Light cream

Easy cleanup!

4. Ground Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, rich, and cheesy—just use Alfredo sauce instead.

5. Mediterranean Ground Chicken Pasta

Add:

• Olives
• Feta cheese
• Sundried tomatoes
• Spinach

Fresh and vibrant!

🍽️ What to Serve With Pasta and Ground Chicken Recipes

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Sautéed spinach
• Fresh cucumber salad

These sides balance the meal perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking pasta: Always aim for al dente.
• Not seasoning the chicken enough: Ground chicken is mild, so it needs flavor.
• Using low heat: Browning adds flavor.
• Adding cream too early: It may curdle—add after simmering tomato base.
• Skipping pasta water: It thickens and binds the sauce.

FAQs About Pasta and Ground Chicken Recipes

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes! Turkey works perfectly as a substitute.

Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well for 3–4 days.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Q: What pasta shape works best?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, fusilli, and rigatoni absorb the sauce well.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, peppers, peas, or zucchini are great additions.

Final Thoughts

Pasta and Ground Chicken Recipes If you’re craving a comforting, easy, and flavorful meal, pasta and ground chicken recipes should be at the top of your list. They come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and deliver a creamy, satisfying dish every time.Pasta and Ground Chicken Recipes

This recipe is perfect for:

• weeknight dinners
• family meals
• meal prep
• pasta lovers looking for something lighter and healthier

Try it once, and it may become your new go-to pasta dish!

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