Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the hearty goodness of ground chicken with the irresistible charm of cheesy pasta? Look no further! This Ground Chicken Pasta Casserole is about to become your new family favorite. Packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, this Italian-inspired dish is the perfect weeknight dinner solution that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 5 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cups pasta, uncooked
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the chicken is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add uncooked pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the cooked ground chicken and marinara sauce, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, ensure you brown the ground chicken thoroughly and season it generously with Italian seasoning.
- Cook your pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste - consider using a homemade or premium store-bought brand.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
- For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition.
- If you want extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
