Every mom’s dream is to get kids to finish their dinner without any fuss; I’ve got you covered! Try this Ground Chicken Spaghetti, and you’ll be amazed at how much kids love it. This hearty and comforting pasta dish combines tender spaghetti with a flavorful sauce made from ground chicken and fresh vegetables like carrots and celery.
This chicken vegetable spaghetti is a flavorful and wholesome twist on classic pasta dishes. Made with a savory tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, it delivers a rich and satisfying taste while keeping it light and healthy. The ground chicken with pasta makes for a leaner alternative to traditional beef or pork sauces, while carrots and celery add a natural sweetness and a slight crunch. This ground chicken and pasta recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping, offering a hearty, nutritious meal that the whole family will love. Whether you're looking for an easy chicken mince spaghetti dish or a healthy pasta option, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!
If your family loves pasta recipes like mine does, you must try this Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine recipe—it’s another perfect dinner option!
Looking for more ground chicken recipes? Try these Ground Chicken Stir Fry and Ground Chicken Meatballs recipe!
More recipes using chicken? How about trying a flavorful Chicken Noodles Stir Fry and Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs for a weeknight dinner?
Jump to:
- Why you'll love this pasta recipe
- What Is Ground Chicken Spaghetti?
- Ground Chicken versus Ground Beef
- What Makes This Ground Chicken and Pasta Special?
- Ingredients
- How to Prepare Ground Chicken Spaghetti
- Step By Step Instructions
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Serving Options
- Equipment
- How to Store Ground Chicken Spaghetti
- Top Tips On Preparing Your Ground Chicken Dinner
- Meal Prep Options for Ground Chicken Spaghetti
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Ground Chicken Spaghetti
Why you'll love this pasta recipe
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this spaghetti recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
Healthy and Wholesome: Made with lean ground chicken and packed with fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.
Rich and Flavorful: The savory sauce clings to the pasta, creating a deliciously hearty dish that’s satisfying and comforting.
Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite pasta or veggies to suit your taste and pantry staples.
Kid-Friendly: A hit with the whole family— even picky eaters will love this flavorful pasta! Trust me, my daughter finished her entire bowl without a single complaint (every mom’s dream!)
What Is Ground Chicken Spaghetti?
Quite simply, on a busy day, when you arrive home late, are so tired you can barely stand, and the kids complain about being deliberately starved, ground chicken spaghetti is your friend and lifesaver. It is healthy and delicious and can be on the table in less than half an hour. As a bonus, it is a very affordable dinner recipe.
This easy family dinner combines generously seasoned ground chicken with a tasty marinara sauce that kids love. Ground chicken can dry easily, but the delicious sauce, high in flavor and low in calories, keeps the chicken moist. It is truly one of the best weeknight dinner ideas that will bring everyone to the table.
Ground Chicken versus Ground Beef
This affordable dinner recipe can easily be prepared with ground chicken or ground beef. Why is ground chicken the preferred choice? The main reason is that the chicken is just as flavorful but is healthier with fewer calories.
Ground chicken is considered a superior protein source because of its lower saturated fat content. Of course, very lean ground beef is low in fat, but it will also be dry and low in flavor. Per normal serving, ground chicken has more protein than ground beef. Ground chicken also has more of the important vitamins we need, although ground beef provides more vitamin B12. Ground chicken should be your kitchen staple.
What Makes This Ground Chicken and Pasta Special?
This quick ground chicken spaghetti recipe is perfect for weeknights. The entire family – from adults to toddlers – will devour it. Its ease of preparation is enhanced by using a jarred sauce that imbues the pasta and ground chicken with flavor. Keep in mind you can also substitute ground turkey for the meat. Italian seasoning adds a touch of special love.
In addition to everything else, this easy ground chicken spaghetti can be made gluten-free. If you are using gluten-free pasta, be sure to salt the pasta water properly to add needed taste. Gluten-free pasta does not store well, so make only as much as you need.
Finally, let the gluten-free pasta soak up the sauce for a few minutes before serving.
Ingredients
Lets see the simple ingredients needed to create this amazingly delicious recipe!
- Spaghetti: The base of the dish, spaghetti provides a hearty and satisfying foundation for the flavorful sauce to coat.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and garlic, adding richness and helping to develop the flavors of the dish.
- Garlic: Enhances the aroma and provides a savory flavor to the sauce.
- Onions: Sweet and savory depth to the dish, forming the flavor base for the sauce.
- Carrots: Contributes a touch of natural sweetness and texture while boosting the nutritional value.
- Celery: Adds crunch and a subtle earthy flavor, balancing the sweetness of the carrots.
- Ground chicken: Provides a lean protein option that absorbs the seasoning and enriches the dish.
- Spices (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper): Boosts the depth of flavor and enhances the whole dish.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and ties the flavors together.
- Marinara sauce: Forms the primary sauce for the dish, bringing a rich, tangy tomato flavor.
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish: Adds a nutty, salty finish that enhances the flavors of the pasta.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: Provides a fresh and aromatic touch.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Prepare Ground Chicken Spaghetti
Start by preparing your pasta in a pot of salted boiling water. This should take about 12 minutes. Drain the pasta and keep a cup or so of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil is next. Keep in mind that olive oil is the healthiest oil to use. Start with the onion and garlic, then add the carrots and celery. There is no reason you can’t add additional vegetables, such as bell peppers if desired. Sauteing your vegetables helps elevate their flavor, and the sauteing process should fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Crumble the ground chicken and add it to your skillet with the vegetables. Brown the chicken for 5 minutes. Then season everything according to taste with basic Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper.
The delectable sauce comes next. Pour your marinara sauce and chicken broth into the skillet and bring the liquid to a boil. Then simmer the ground chicken and vegetables in the sauce for a delightful flavor boost. If you need more liquid, use the reserved pasta water.
Taste test and adjust your seasoning and serve the ground chicken pasta topped with grated parmesan cheese.
The tomatoes in the marinara sauce provide plenty of needed vitamins, and the ground chicken and parmesan cheeses are filled with protein. This dish is easy to prepare and healthy.
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
- Step 2: Add the veggies and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Step 3: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground chicken and cook.
- Step 4: Breaking it apart with a spatula and cook until it is no longer pink.
- Step 5: Stir in the chicken broth and marinara sauce.
- Step 6: Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Step 8: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil.
Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, pork, or even plant-based meat for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a high-protein pasta alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Broth Substitution: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or white wine for a slightly different depth of flavor.
Variations
- Vegetable-Loaded Ground Chicken Spaghetti: Add zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutrients and enhance texture. Simply incorporate these veggies into the recipe for a flavorful, veggie-packed variation!
- Cheesy Ground Chicken Spaghetti: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Spicy Ground Chicken Spaghetti: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Serving Options
Ground Chicken Spaghetti is best served with sides and accompaniments that complement its hearty and flavorful nature. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread
- Roasted Vegetables
- Green Salad (Talking about salad have you tried my BEST Kale Quinoa Salad ?)
Equipment
Large Pot – To cook the spaghetti.
Colander – For draining the cooked pasta.
Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – To cook the ground chicken and prepare the sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula – To stir and cook the sauce ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients.
Tongs – For mixing the pasta with the sauce.
How to Store Ground Chicken Spaghetti
Let the sauce cool and store it in a sealed container separately from the pasta for up to three days in the refrigerator. Store the pasta in a different container for the same length of time. Refrigerating them apart provides you with more options when you reheat.
You can freeze the easy ground chicken spaghetti for three months. Again, it’s a good idea to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta.
The best way to reheat the ground chicken spaghetti is to thaw the leftovers and warm them in a skillet on low heat. Add a bit of extra broth or marina sauce to help the dish retain its moistness.
Top Tips On Preparing Your Ground Chicken Dinner
Your ground chicken can dry out easily, so don’t overdo the browning process. Brown to the point where the meat is no longer pink (and no longer) and then add the sauce.
Young children can get picky about things like onions and garlic, even as those vegetables boost the flavor. The trick is to chop them as finely as possible to keep the kids unaware of their presence. Using a chopper works well.
Prepare your pasta al dente. Undercooked pasta will be too chewy, and overcooked pasta turns limp. The best pasta for this healthy ground chicken recipe is “firm.”
Meal Prep Options for Ground Chicken Spaghetti
This recipe is an excellent option for meal prep!
- Prepare a large batch of the ground chicken sauce and cook the spaghetti.
- Store them separately to preserve the texture and flavor when reheated.
- Divide the cooked spaghetti and sauce into individual airtight containers for convenient grab-and-go meals.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
FAQ
Absolutely , you can use ground beef instead of chicken! Ground beef will add a richer, heartier flavor to the dish. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef before continuing with the recipe.
Yes, homemade marinara works wonderfully and allows you to customize the flavor even more. If you have in handy please feel free to use it!
Yes, you can prepare till the sauce steps in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and combine it with freshly cooked pasta before serving. Its a best meal prep option for those busy days.
Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Ground Chicken Spaghetti:
Easy Ground Chicken Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups (16 ounces) marinara sauce Store-bought
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground chicken to the empty space and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is no longer pink (about 5 minutes).
- Add in the seasonings such as Italian seasonings, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, bring to boil, reduce the heat, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Divide the spaghetti into serving bowls. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Be sure to cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, as it will absorb some sauce when combined, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- 2. Cook the chicken until just done to keep it tender and juicy, as it can dry out quickly.
- 3. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick—it also helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Madhu says
This sounds like exactly what my picky eater would love! I love that it’s packed with veggies, definitely trying this for dinner!
Abi Guna says
Definitely your kid will love them too! Let me know how they turn out:)
kimberly Garrido says
This looks so delicious!
Abi Guna says
Thank you so much!
Abi Guna says
My family loves this ground chicken spaghetti, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!