Rotini With Peppers, Pepperoni And Mozzarella
Rotini pasta tossed with colorful peppers, flavorful pepperoni, and melted mozzarella create a vibrant, satisfying dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotini pasta
- 1 cup nonfat, low sodium chicken broth, divided ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 oz. pepperoni ⓘ
- 1 sweet red pepper
- 1 sweet yellow pepper ⓘ
- 1 sweet green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 oz. part-skim Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- lemon wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rotini in boiling, lightly salted water according to package directions.
- In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1/2 cup of the chicken broth to boiling.
- Add the crushed garlic and simmer until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the sliced pepperoni and cook for 1 minute longer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the red, yellow, and green peppers, remaining chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes or until the peppers are tender but not mushy, allowing about half of the broth to evaporate.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese and remove the skillet from heat.
- Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and stir it into the pepper mixture.
- Garnish with lemon wedges if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or thyme alongside the dried basil and oregano. You can substitute turkey pepperoni for a lighter option or try adding some crushed red pepper flakes for heat. If you prefer, swap the rotini for penne or fusilli to change the pasta shape while keeping the dish delicious. Additionally, feel free to mix in other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Italian Sausage And Mushroom Strata, which complements the flavors perfectly. This dish is also great for meal prep, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Rotini with Peppers, Pepperoni, and Mozzarella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rotini With Peppers, Pepperoni And Mozzarella contains roughly 180 calories, with 7g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 463mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni and replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You might also want to add some extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added texture and flavor.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To increase the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even beans like chickpeas. These additions will complement the flavors well and make the dish more filling.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the rotini pasta with a gluten-free pasta of your choice, such as brown rice or quinoa pasta. Ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free to keep the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).