Ziti With Chicken And Peppers
Ziti with chicken and peppers offers a hearty, flavorful combination of tender chicken, sautéed peppers, and mushrooms in a savory tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large boned and skinned chicken breast (10 to 12 oz.), diced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can Italian tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy, 3-quart saucepan or skillet.
- Add green pepper and onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until barely tender.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until mushrooms wilt, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced chicken and cook, stirring, until chicken turns white.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then add oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
- Add cooked ziti to the mixture and stir to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding spinach or zucchini to the dish for extra veggies. If you're out of chicken broth, water can be a substitute, but using a low-sodium broth will enhance the flavor. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or a meat alternative. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and consider using herbs like basil or thyme for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Consider offering a glass of red wine, which complements the tomato base nicely. For more Italian recipes, browse our pasta section for similar dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ziti With Chicken And Peppers contains roughly 227 calories, with 10g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1139mg per serving (50% 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 use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking and to ensure food safety. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as frozen chicken may take longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for ziti pasta?
If you don't have ziti, penne or rigatoni work as great substitutes due to their similar shapes and ability to hold onto the sauce well. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and mix it with freshly cooked ziti. This enhances the flavors and makes for a quick weeknight dinner.
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).