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Ground Chicken Pasta with Spinach

Ground Chicken Pasta with Spinach
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A quick, nutritious, and comforting Ground Chicken Pasta with Spinach combining lean ground chicken, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a light, savory sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, this family-friendly recipe is packed with protein and greens, using simple pantry ingredients for a flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli recommended)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Cheese & Seasonings

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, then set it aside.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Brown the Ground Chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook, stirring and breaking apart with a spatula, until fully cooked and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Add Spinach and Broth: Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors into a light sauce.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and spinach mixture. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to slightly melt the cheese, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the spinach; add it at the end to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
  • Keep some pasta water aside as the starch helps adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
  • Season gradually throughout cooking; taste frequently to balance flavors.
  • Ensure the ground chicken is thoroughly browned for the best texture and depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground chicken pasta, spinach pasta, quick dinner, healthy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, protein-packed pasta

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/ground-chicken-pasta-with-spinach/