Transform your weeknight dinner with this delicious one pan chicken pasta recipe. Perfect for busy families who want a gourmet meal without the fuss. This simple one pan chicken pasta recipe combines ground chicken, fresh ingredients, and pasta in a single skillet for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
โจ Ready in just 30 minutes
โญ๏ธ One-pan wonder – minimal cleanup
๐ฐ Budget-friendly ingredients
๐ Restaurant-quality results
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family-tested and approved
๐ Perfect weeknight dinner
โค๏ธ Healthy at 450 calories per serving
Essential Ingredients for One Pan Chicken Pasta Recipe
For this easy one pan chicken pasta recipe, you’ll need:
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken (lean)
8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
1 medium onion, diced fresh
3-4 cloves fresh garlic
Premium tomato sauce
Fresh mozzarella & Parmesan
Italian seasoning blend
Fresh parsley
2 cups chicken stock
Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make This One Pan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect one pan chicken pasta recipe:
Instructions
Step 1:Perfect Ground Chicken (5 mins) ๐ฅ
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Once heated, add your ground chicken and gently break it into bite-sized pieces using a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Create Flavor Magic (5 mins) โจ
First diced onions to the skillet and cook until they turn soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes
Next minced garlic until fragrant
Key tip: Don’t rush this step – it builds your flavor base!
Step 3: Create the Rich Sauce (5 mins) ๐
First 2 cups of rich tomato sauce and hot chicken broth to the chicken mixture in your skillet
Then Sprinkle in dried Italian seasoning blend
Next a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance flavors
Final the sauce bubble gently for 2-3 minutes until hot
Step 4: Cook the Pasta (15 mins) ๐
First uncooked pasta straight into the simmering sauce
Gently stir every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking
Cook until pasta is tender but still firm, about 12-15 minutes
The liquid will slowly thicken into a creamy sauce
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping (5 mins) ๐ง
Spread shredded mozzarella and parmesan over the pasta
Put the lid on until cheese melts completely
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top
Serve while hot and cheese is stretchy
Make It Your Own ๐จ
Customize with these tested variations:
- ๐ Pasta swap: Try rigatoni or fusilli
- ๐ถ๏ธ Heat level: Add chili flakes
- ๐ฅฌ Veggie boost: Mix in spinach
- ๐ง Cheese mix: Try provolone blend
Final Thoughts & Tips ๐จโ๐ณ
Creating the perfect one pan chicken pasta recipe is all about timing and technique. While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, remember these key points for the best results:
โฐ Timing is Everything Let the chicken properly brown and develop that golden crust for maximum flavor.
๐ฅ Temperature Control Maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process for perfectly cooked pasta.
๐ก Pro Tips for Success
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- Season at every step
- Let cheese get slightly golden for best results
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family-Friendly Options Feel free to adjust seasonings and spice levels to suit your family’s preferences. This versatile dish grows with your tastes!