Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a meal that’s hearty, healthy, and bursting with flavor all without leaving a sink full of dishes. That’s the magic of one-pot meals, and this one-pot ground chicken pasta is no exception. Packed with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, this dish is destined to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into this easy, healthy, and delicious recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
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ToggleWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pot ground chicken pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifesaver on busy nights. Here’s why:
Quick and Convenient: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze.
Healthy and Nutritious: Ground chicken is a lean protein option, and you can easily sneak in extra vegetables.
Customizable: Adjust the spices, veggies, and even the type of pasta to suit your family’s tastes.
Flavor-Packed: Thanks to a combination of herbs, spices, and a creamy yet light sauce, every bite is delicious.
Ingredients for One-Pot Ground Chicken Pasta
To create this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ground Chicken: 1 pound of lean ground chicken.
Pasta: 12 ounces of penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta shape.
Vegetables: Diced onions, bell peppers, and spinach (optional).
Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced.
Tomato Sauce: 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.
Chicken Broth: 3 cups for cooking the pasta.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (optional for heat).
Cheese: 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or parmesan.
Cream (optional): ½ cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk for extra creaminess.
Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes to elevate the flavors further.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Dice your vegetables, mince the garlic, and measure out your seasonings. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
2. Sauté the Ground Chicken
Warm olive oil in a deep skillet or large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, until it is browned and fully cooked.
3. Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Stir in the minced garlic and diced onions. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the bell peppers (or any other vegetables you’re using) and sauté until they begin to soften.
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Add Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat (if desired).
5. Cook the Pasta
Add the dry pasta directly to the pot. Stir well to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring now and then to avoid sticking.
6. Finish with Cheese and Cream
Once the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheese.
If using cream or milk, add it now for a luscious, creamy finish.
7. Garnish and Serve
Take the pot off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to cool down slightly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and serve hot.

What Makes This One-Pot Pasta So Good?
Simplicity: Everything cooks in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning creates a rich and satisfying base.
Texture: The creamy sauce clings to the pasta, while the ground chicken adds a hearty, meaty bite.
Versatility: You can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite ingredients.
Tips for the Best One-Pot Ground Chicken Pasta
Use the Right Pot: A deep skillet or Dutch oven works best for even cooking and easy stirring.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid mushy pasta.
Season as You Go: Layering flavors at each step ensures a more flavorful dish.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of fresh spinach for extra nutrients.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the sauce is creamy and the pasta is perfectly cooked.

Substitutions and Variations
Protein: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based crumbles.
Pasta: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta for a healthier twist.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and cream, and add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.
Spices: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Add smoked paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage
Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Ground Chicken Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food that checks all the boxes: easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious. Ideal for busy evenings, it offers a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Plus, with its endless customization options, it’s a dish you can truly make your own. So grab your pot and get cooking your taste buds (and your dishwasher) will thank you!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! It can be prepared in advance and reheated when it’s time to serve. Just make sure to store it properly.
What other vegetables can add
Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli would work beautifully in this dish.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
if you’re looking for more dishes so, you can try this I really like it Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipes

One-Pot Ground Chicken Pasta: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 12 ounces penne rotini, or pasta of choice
- 1 onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 cup spinach optional
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14 ounces crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or a splash of milk optional
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Dice vegetables, mince garlic, and measure seasonings.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, cook ground chicken until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic and onions, cooking until fragrant. Add bell peppers and sauté until softened.
- Build Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Cook Pasta: Add dry pasta, ensuring it’s submerged. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Finish Dish: Stir in shredded cheese and cream for a creamy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve hot.