Ground Chicken Tomato Rotini
Lean ground chicken breast tossed with whole-wheat rotini pasta in a rich tomato garlic sauce. A comforting, quick weeknight dinner loaded with protein and fiber.
Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
20 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Lindsay + Lila
Lindsay created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
20 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Large pot
Time saver
Great for meal prep — double the recipe and store individual portions for busy lunches or dinners.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Fill a large pot with 4 quarts…
- 01
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts…
Fill a large pot with 4 quarts (3.8L) of water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add 2 oz (56g) whole-wheat rotini pasta…
Add 2 oz (56g) whole-wheat rotini pasta to the boiling water. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender with a slight bite (al dente). Drain and set aside.
Look for: tender with a slight bite (al dente)
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Place a medium skillet over medium-high heat…
While the pasta cooks, place a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tsp olive oil.
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Add 5 oz (140g) ground chicken breast…
Add 5 oz (140g) ground chicken breast and 1 garlic clove to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Look for: no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
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Pour 0
Pour 0.75 cup canned crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the chicken. Season with a pinch of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the…
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
Look for: thickened slightly
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Add the cooked rotini directly into the…
Add the cooked rotini directly into the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss for 1 to 2 minutes until the pasta is coated and heated through.
Look for: the pasta is coated and heated through
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Transfer to a bowl and serve warm
Transfer to a bowl and serve warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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