This colorful spaghetti sauce is packed with ground chicken and lots of fresh veggies. It’s a tasty way to sneak in some healthy ingredients while enjoying a classic dish!
I love how quick this sauce is to make, and my family thinks it’s just a yummy dinner. Plus, who wouldn’t want to add more veggies to their plates? 🍝🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the sauce, giving it a light yet satisfying protein boost. If you’re looking for an alternative, ground turkey or lean beef also works well. You could even use plant-based grounds for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: The mix of bell pepper, carrot, and celery adds great texture and nutrition. If you have other veggies on hand like zucchini or mushrooms, feel free to toss them in! Just remember that softer veggies may cook faster.
Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes give the sauce its rich base. If you’re out, diced tomatoes or tomato sauce can be good substitutes. Just adjust the liquid as necessary, especially if using a thicker sauce.
Spices: Dried basil, oregano, and thyme bring warmth and flavor to the dish. Fresh herbs are great too! If you prefer a bit more kick, consider adding some chopped chili or a dash of hot sauce.
How Do I Make Sure My Ground Chicken is Cooked Fully But Not Dry?
Cooking ground chicken just right can be tricky. You want it fully cooked but still juicy! Here’s how to do it:
- When adding chicken to the sautéed veggies, break it apart with a spoon to let it cook evenly.
- Cook over medium heat. This lets the chicken brown nicely without rushing it.
- Keep cooking until it’s no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- Avoid overcooking! Once it’s cooked through, remove it from heat to keep it tender.
How to Make Veggie-Loaded Ground Chicken Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced or shredded
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- 8 ounces spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
- Fresh basil or green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spaghetti sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Chicken:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it smells amazing. Now, add the ground chicken to the pan. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, stirring until it turns from pink to fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
3. Mix in the Sauces and Seasoning:
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Then, toss in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Give it all a good stir to combine everything.
4. Let It Simmer:
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let your sauce cook for 15-20 minutes. This is a great time to blend all those tasty flavors together!
5. Cook the Spaghetti:
While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Place the veggie-loaded ground chicken sauce on top of the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil or sliced green onions, and sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Dig in and enjoy your hearty and healthy spaghetti meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground chicken, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, lean beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can mix in other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for softer veggies!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sauce?
Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
Can I Freeze the Sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes very well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for your next meal!
