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- 8 oz. pasta (penne or fettuccine) - 1 lb. ground chicken - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh basil, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving The ingredients are simple but full of flavor. The pasta can be penne or fettuccine, but both work great. I prefer ground chicken because it cooks quickly and is lean. Olive oil adds richness and keeps the dish moist. The vegetables play a key role in this dish. Onions and garlic add savory depth. Red bell peppers bring sweetness and color. Spinach adds a fresh touch and a pop of green. Don’t forget the seasonings! Italian seasoning gives that classic herb mix flavor. Red pepper flakes add a kick, but you can adjust to your spice level. The chicken broth makes everything come together. It adds moisture and flavor. The cherry tomatoes offer a burst of juiciness. For a finishing touch, fresh basil and Parmesan cheese enhance the dish beautifully. Each ingredient works in harmony to create a tasty meal. If you gather all these items, you’re just steps away from a delicious dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add in 8 oz. of pasta. I like to use penne or fettuccine. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to save 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small, finely chopped onion. Sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook these for another 2 to 3 minutes until they soften up. Now, push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add in 1 lb. of ground chicken. Cook this, breaking it up with a spatula, until it turns brown and is fully cooked. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this mix until the spinach wilts down. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let the sauce cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Now it’s time to bring the pasta into the mix! Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If it seems too dry, pour in some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, let it sit for a minute to allow those tasty flavors to meld together. Choosing the right pasta type For this dish, I love using penne or fettuccine. Penne holds the sauce well. Fettuccine offers a nice, flat surface to catch the flavors. You can pick any pasta you enjoy! Al dente cooking tips To achieve the perfect al dente texture, cook your pasta in salted water. Check the package for cooking time. Drain the pasta when it is firm but not hard. A minute before it’s done, taste it. This ensures a perfect bite. Adjusting seasoning levels Seasoning can make or break your dish. Start with the recommended Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Then, taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Feel free to add more spices if you want a punchy flavor. Options for extra ingredients/add-ins You can easily customize this dish. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or olives for extra taste. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. They add freshness and color to your pasta. Best accompaniments and sides This pasta pairs well with a simple salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette works best. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for added crunch. Presentation tips for serving For a beautiful presentation, twirl the pasta on a fork before placing it on the plate. Top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This makes the dish look appealing and gourmet! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Always cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to soften once mixed with the sauce. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. Taste your sauce before serving! Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, try adding other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique twist on flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this dish. Ground turkey is a great choice. It has less fat than chicken but still tastes great. You can also use ground beef for a heartier meal. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try plant-based ground meat. It mimics the texture of chicken well. Choose one that fits your taste and diet. Herbs can change the dish's flavor. Try using fresh basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning. You can also mix in thyme or rosemary for a unique twist. Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can brighten the flavors too. Both options work well and make the dish pop. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. It cooks similarly, so your dish will still taste great. You can also try spiralized vegetables, like zucchini or carrots. They add a fresh crunch and cut carbs. Just sauté them briefly before adding the sauce for the best texture. Store leftover savory ground chicken pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This will avoid extra moisture inside the container. To freeze, divide the pasta into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place it in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help it warm up evenly. This keeps it tasty and fresh. When reheating, use a stove for best results. Add a little liquid to avoid dryness. Stir gently to keep the pasta moist. If you use a microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help steam it and prevent sogginess. Always check if it’s heated through before serving. To add heat to your dish, try these tips: - Add more red pepper flakes. - Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper. - Use hot sauce to taste. You can also consider spice blends like Cajun or chili powder. These add depth and a nice kick. Just remember to start small and adjust to your taste. Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great choice! It packs more fiber and nutrients than regular pasta. Here are some key points: - Whole wheat pasta is heartier and has a nutty flavor. - Cook it for about 1-2 minutes longer than white pasta. Adjust your cooking time based on the package instructions. This ensures your pasta is tender and tasty. Pair your Savory Ground Chicken Pasta with these side dishes: - A fresh garden salad with olive oil dressing. - Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping. These sides balance the meal and add variety to your plate. Enjoying different flavors enhances your dining experience. This blog post covered a tasty recipe for savory ground chicken pasta. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect pasta. I shared ideas for variations and storage methods. Remember, you can swap proteins and experiment with flavors to suit your taste. In the end, enjoy creating your dish and make it your own. Cooking should be fun and delicious!

Savory Ground Chicken Pasta

A delicious and hearty pasta dish featuring ground chicken, vegetables, and Italian spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the ground chicken. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Stir in the spinach, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and allow the sauce to cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  • Combine the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to incorporate everything. If the mixture seems too dry, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword chicken, dinner, Italian, pasta