One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta: A Family Favorite
45 minutes
1321 reads

About One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta: A Family Favorite
This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Penne Pasta recipe is my go-to weeknight meal – simple, flavorful, and packed with nutrition! It's a wholesome dish combining whole wheat penne with a savory sauce of chicken mince, tomato paste, and aromatic Italian herbs. The generous topping of Parmesan cheese adds a delightful creamy finish.I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, but black pepper is a great alternative if you're serving little ones. This protein-rich meal, brimming with bone-strengthening cheese and vitamin-rich tomatoes, is a true crowd-pleaser. Serve warm, and don't forget extra cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience!This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable to your family's preferences. Try adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients!
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 16 oz (454 g) Penne whole wheat penne rigate
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese for extra cheesiness, optional, shredded
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 lb Chicken ground
- 1 15 oz (425 g) Tomato Paste can of
- 1 tsp Basil dried
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Pepper black, or red pepper flakes to taste
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Cook penne rigate according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water for 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Drain again.
Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add onion and mushrooms (if using), and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Brown the Chicken
- Add ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in spinach (if using). Remove from heat and stir in most of the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, topped with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella (if using).
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini with the onions.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end.
- Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand – a tablespoon of fresh basil would be wonderful!
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 99kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.8gFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
4 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


Such a tempting dish! Thank you.
Absolutely scrumptious! Thanks for the recipe.
Great recipe! I’m eager to try it.
Perfect dish! Can’t wait to cook it.