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Creamy ground chicken skillet with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, basil, and black pepper

Healthier Marry Me Ground Chicken Skillet

A creamy one-pan ground chicken dinner with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and about 40 grams of protein per serving.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ground Chicken Skillet
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/4 pounds 93% lean ground chicken
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth divided
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan plus more for serving
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil torn or sliced

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Blender or small food processor
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Blend cottage cheese with 1/4 cup chicken broth until completely smooth. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Press into an even layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then break into crumbles and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until no longer pink.
    Ground chicken browning beside spinach, cottage cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, broth, Parmesan, garlic, and lemon
  3. Add shallot and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add remaining 1/2 cup broth and scrape the skillet. Stir in blended cottage cheese and Parmesan. Simmer very gently for 2 to 3 minutes; do not boil.
  5. Add spinach in batches, stirring until each batch wilts. Cook for 2 minutes so excess moisture evaporates and the sauce lightly thickens.
  6. Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice. Taste and add the remaining salt if needed. Garnish with basil, black pepper, and a modest sprinkle of Parmesan.

Notes

  • Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth and keep the skillet below a boil after adding it.
  • Use 93% lean ground chicken for a balance of moisture and lower fat.
  • For a lower-carb meal, serve with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted vegetables.
  • Nutrition is an estimate and does not include optional side dishes.