Winter Best Food

One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

Make this cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a glass of red wine.

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
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook, stirring often to break up the meat, until cooked through and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add onion, tomatoes, Italian seasoning and salt; cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened and the tomatoes are breaking down, 4 to 5 minutes.
2. Stir in pasta, broth, marinara and cream; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in spinach (in batches, if necessary), basil and mozzarella; cover and cook until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Garnish with more basil and Parmesan, if using.