Cheesy Chicken & Hidden Veggie Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked pasta with ground chicken and pureed carrots and peas hidden in a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for picky eaters. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs penne pasta, ground chicken, pureed carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 lb ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup pureed carrots, 1/2 cup pureed peas, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Chicken & Hidden Veggie Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Chicken & Hidden Veggie Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Chicken & Hidden Veggie Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Chicken & Hidden Veggie Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheesy Chicken & Hidden Veggie Pasta?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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