Healthy Chicken Goulash

 This super easy Goulash recipe, is made more healthy by using ground chicken breast and whole wheat noodles. Cooked in a rich tomato and veggie sauce, this comfort food classic comes together in only 30 minutes!

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School for us here in Canada, starts on Tuesday! I've been busy prepping my cafeteria to welcome students throughout the day. It has been exhausting work, but I am ready to get back to a job that I absolutely love! The return to work has left me thoroughly exhausted, with LONG days, that start early and end sometimes late. I don't remember being this exhausted from work, pre pandemic. LOL. 

As a result, I've been struggling with cooking dinner. I tried a meal prep delivery service, which we enjoyed, but sometimes found the portions small for the price. The kids have been great and have cooked me dinner a few days over the last few weeks, and thanks to simple recipes such as this Goulash Recipe, we can still eat healthy, in a short amount of time.

While still trying to maintain my Weight Watchers regime, I tend to gravitate mostly to lean poultry for meals. That means chicken and turkey breast, as well as extra lean ground poultry. Thankfully ground poultry is as versatile as ground beef, so interchanging them is a snap. That means I can still enjoy my favourite meals, without racking up the points!

What is Goulash?

Goulash originated in Hungary and is a soup/stew made of meat and vegetables, seasoned with paprika. Many countries seem to have their own version of Goulash and this version is based on the American/Canadian version made with elbow macaroni, ground meat, vegetables and some sort of tomato. 

Is Goulash the same as Spaghetti?

While both goulash and spaghetti are made using similar ingredients, spaghetti is cooked separately from the sauce, then combined. Where as goulash is elbow macaroni cooked with the sauce, together in the same pot.

Why is American Goulash so different?

Hungarian goulash is a classic dish similar to chicken noodle soup; meaning that it takes on a different life, in every cook's kitchen. The basic ingredients of Hungarian Goulash are beef, lots of paprika, onion, tomato, carrot and usually potato. Since the potatoes provide a starch, there is no need for thickeners. 

American goulash pairs similar ingredients with one key need of home cooking: speed and simplicity. Made primarily of beef, noodles and tomato sauce, Goulash is the perfect way to get dinner on the table in a snap!

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Equipment needed for this recipe

• Large pot or dutch oven
• sharp knife
• cutting board
• wooden spoon
• cheese grater

Healthy Chicken Goulash

1 lb ground chicken (mine was a combination of breast and thighs)
8 oz cremini mushrooms, cleaned and cut into quarters
1 red pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp celery salt
a pinch of sea salt
fresh ground pepper
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
2- 680 ml jars/cans marinara sauce (store bought or homemade)
1- 32 oz carton low sodium chicken broth
12 oz box of macaroni pasta
Parmesan cheese

Preheat a large pot/dutch oven, over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and once it begins to ripple, add in the ground chicken. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned; about 5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, celery salt and ground pepper; cook for another minute.

Add in the onion, red pepper and mushrooms. Cook until onions become soft and translucent; about 5 minutes. Season everything with oregano, basil and a pinch of sea salt.

Add in marinara sauce, stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add the chicken broth and pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low boil and cook, stirring occasionally; until pasta is tender (about 20 minutes). Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
 
This recipe is 3WW points on the purple plan💜