This veggie-loaded ground chicken spaghetti sauce is a healthy twist on a classic favorite! Packed with colorful veggies and lean chicken, it’s both tasty and nutritious.
I love how easy it is to whip up on a busy night. Just throw everything in, let it simmer, and voilà! Dinner is served. Pair it with spaghetti, and you’ve got a family winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is a lean meat option that keeps the sauce healthy. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey or lean beef works well too. You can even use plant-based ground meat if you’re going vegetarian.
Spaghetti Pasta: While I love spaghetti, you could swap it for whole wheat pasta, zucchini noodles, or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences or needs.
Veggies: The combination of onion, carrot, and bell pepper adds sweetness and texture. Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or even finely chopped broccoli for extra nutrition!
Tomato Products: For the canned tomatoes and tomato paste, go for low-sodium options to keep it heart-healthy. Fresh tomatoes can also be used, just adjust cooking time as needed.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Flavorful?
Getting your sauce to taste great involves layering the flavors correctly. Start by sautéing the vegetables. This not only softens them but also enhances their natural sweetness.
- Cook onions first until they’re translucent; this brings out their flavor.
- Add garlic just before the chicken so it doesn’t burn.
- Simmer the sauce long enough to meld the flavors together, but not so long that the veggies lose their bite.
Lastly, check your seasonings at the end. Everyone’s taste is different, so feel free to add a pinch more salt, some crushed red pepper for heat, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth!
Veggie-Loaded Ground Chicken Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 small bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes on prep (chopping and gathering ingredients) and around 15 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for a weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta once it’s cooked, and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften but not turn mushy—this adds great texture!
3. Adding Garlic and Ground Chicken:
Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Using a spoon, break it apart as it cooks. Sauté until the chicken is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Combining Tomato Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth (or water), oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together so that it’s well combined.
5. Letting it Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. This is when the flavors will meld beautifully, so don’t rush this step. Remember to stir occasionally!
6. Adding Fresh Spinach:
After simmering, stir in the chopped fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. This adds a nice color and extra nutrients to your sauce.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a little more salt or pepper, now’s the time to add it!
8. Serving it Up:
To serve, place the cooked spaghetti on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Ladle the veggie-loaded ground chicken sauce on top of the spaghetti.
9. Enjoy!
If you like, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful finish. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat or gluten-free variations. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Sauce?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to include mushrooms, zucchini, or even kale. Just chop them small so they cook evenly and blend well into the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it becomes too thick.
Can I Freeze the Sauce?
Yes! This sauce freezes well. Cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
