Craving a comforting pasta dish that’s quick and easy? This one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta is here to save dinner! Combining tender ground chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is everything you want in a meal—rich, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, with only one skillet to clean, it’s as practical as it is delicious.

I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was one of those nights when I needed something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory ground chicken, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta was unforgettable. Now, it’s my go-to recipe whenever I need a quick, crowd-pleasing meal.

This recipe is Creamy, Cheesy, and So Easy!

Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe

This dish is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

All-in-One Skillet: Everything cooks in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
Creamy and Cheesy: A rich, cheesy sauce coats every bite of pasta and chicken, making it irresistibly indulgent.
Customizable: Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition, or swap cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, weekend treat, or even meal prep, this recipe fits the bill.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy goodness, making this dish a guaranteed hit.

You can check our Creamy Parmesan Egg Pasta with Onions

How to Make It

Making this one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta is as easy as browning, simmering, and stirring. Here’s an overview of how we’ll bring this recipe to life:

We’ll start by browning ground chicken in a large skillet, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon.

Once the chicken is cooked through, we’ll add diced onions, garlic, and any optional veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the same skillet. Sauté until the veggies are soft and fragrant.

Next, we’ll stir in chicken broth, milk (or cream), and uncooked pasta.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.

Finally, stir in shredded cheese until it melts into a creamy, gooey sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken.

Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor. Each bite will be a perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness.

Make Ahead Method

If you’re someone who loves being prepared (and let’s face it, life is so much easier when you are), this one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta is perfect for make-ahead cooking. Here’s how you can plan ahead and save yourself some time:

Prepare the Sauce Base Ahead of Time: One of the best things about this recipe is that you can prep the sauce base a day or two ahead of time. Start by browning 1 pound of ground chicken in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Once the chicken is cooked through, add diced onions, minced garlic, and any optional veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté until the veggies are soft and fragrant, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply reheat the base in the skillet, then add the broth, milk, pasta, and cheese to finish the dish.

Cook and Store: If you’re prepping for the week, you can cook the entire dish and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This method is especially handy during busy weeks or when you’re meal prepping for the family. Just be sure to undercook the pasta slightly when making the dish ahead of time—pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so slightly firmer pasta will prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you’re prepping for the future, freeze the cooked dish (without the cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing, and label the container with the date and contents for easy identification. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop. Stir in freshly shredded cheese just before serving to ensure the sauce stays creamy and gooey.

This make-ahead method is especially handy during busy weeks or when you’re meal prepping for the family. It allows you to break the process into manageable steps without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Pro Tips

Here are some insider tips to take your one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta from great to absolutely outstanding:

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and creates a creamier sauce. For the best results, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, gooey texture. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the chicken and pasta.

Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best because they hold onto the sauce and are easier to cook evenly in the skillet. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, as they can be harder to manage in a one-skillet dish. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, but check the cooking time on the package to ensure it cooks properly in the skillet.

Add Veggies for Nutrition: Stir in spinach, kale, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for added color, flavor, and nutrients. Spinach wilts quickly, so add it toward the end of cooking. Heartier veggies like bell peppers or zucchini should be added earlier in the process to ensure they soften properly. Roasted vegetables, like butternut squash or cauliflower, can also be stirred in at the end for a gourmet twist.

Adjust the Creaminess: For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for extra creaminess and tang.

Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick that balances the richness of the cheese. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can elevate the dish, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors.

Reheat Properly: To reheat leftovers, warm the dish gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta soggy and unevenly heated.

Experiment with Proteins: While ground chicken is delicious, feel free to swap it for ground turkey, beef, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies or plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas for added substance.

Storage Options

Once you’ve made this dish, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh:

Room Temperature: Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Beyond that, they should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Refrigerator: Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked dish (without the cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop and stir in freshly shredded cheese before serving.

Tools For This Recipe

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this dish, but having the right tools can make the process smoother:

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Perfect for browning the chicken, cooking the pasta, and simmering the sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Handy for breaking up the ground chicken and stirring the pasta.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like broth, milk, and spices.
Grater: For shredding fresh cheese if you’re not using pre-shredded.

FAQs!

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef works beautifully in this recipe and adds a different flavor profile. Just adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, but check the cooking time on the package to ensure it cooks properly in the skillet.

What kind of cheese should I use?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both works well for a classic cheesy flavor. For a gourmet twist, try smoked gouda, fontina, or Parmesan.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

The pasta is done when it’s tender and the liquid has thickened slightly. Taste a piece to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or kale all work beautifully. Add heartier veggies like bell peppers early in the cooking process and delicate greens like spinach toward the end.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this dish. Here are some ideas:

Add Protein: Stir in cooked bacon, sausage, or diced ham for extra flavor.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted butternut squash.
Switch Up the Herbs: Use fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with smoked gouda, blue cheese, or goat cheese for a unique twist.

Wrapping It Up: A Creamy, Cheesy Masterpiece

There’s nothing quite like the combination of tender ground chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce—all made in one skillet for maximum convenience. This one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or exploring new recipes, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of this pasta and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you try one of the variations? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you!