Hearty Italian Chicken Pepperoni Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This this Hearty Italian Chicken Pepperoni Pasta

This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken with all those classic pizza flavors you’re craving, minus the delivery fee and the inevitable regret.

You get juicy pepperoni, colorful bell peppers, and melty mozzarella cheese all dancing together in a rich tomato sauce that’ll make your kitchen smell like an Italian restaurant.

Plus, it’s basically impossible to mess up – even if you’re the type who burns water, this forgiving recipe will have you looking like a pasta pro.

Ingredients List

Everything you need for this crowd-pleasing pasta is probably already hiding in your pantry and fridge right now.

• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 package pepperoni slices
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 can mushrooms
• Crushed garlic
• Chopped onion
• Salt & pepper
• 1 box pasta

• Mozzarella cheese
• Go easy on the pepperoni – while it adds amazing flavor, it’s pretty high in sodium and saturated fat, so you don’t need to go overboard
• Load up on the veggies – the bell peppers and mushrooms are your nutritional heroes here, packed with vitamins and fiber
• Choose whole grain pasta if you want to sneak in some extra nutrients and keep everyone fuller longer
• Fresh garlic beats the pre-minced stuff every time for both flavor and health benefits, plus it makes you feel like a real chef

Step by Step Directions



This hearty Italian pasta dish combines tender chicken with pepperoni and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family.

• Prepare the chicken – Cook 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts using a small amount of water to steam them in a large pan until fully cooked through.
• Add the aromatics – In the same pan with the chicken, add pepperoni slices, chopped bell pepper, canned mushrooms, crushed garlic, chopped onion, salt and pepper.
• Steam the vegetables – Let the peppers and other vegetables steam until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
• Cut the chicken – Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and cut into bite-sized pieces, then return to the pan.
• Cook the pasta – While the chicken mixture cooks, prepare your pasta according to package directions and drain (rotini works great, but any shape will do).
• Combine with sauce – Add the jar of spaghetti sauce to the chicken and vegetable mixture, heating everything through.
• Serve and top – Spoon the chicken mixture over the drained pasta and top generously with mozzarella cheese.

Using a sharp professional chef knife will make cutting the chicken into uniform pieces much easier and safer.

Substitutions and Variations

• Pasta alternatives – While rotini is mentioned in the original recipe, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work perfectly fine.

The key is choosing something that holds onto that delicious sauce.

• Make it creamy – Stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream with the sauce for a richer, more indulgent version that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Additional Things to Serve With This Dish

This hearty pasta dish practically begs for some classic Italian sides that’ll turn your dinner into a proper feast.

• Garlic bread – Because honestly, what Italian meal is complete without it? Toast up some crusty bread with butter, garlic, and maybe a sprinkle of parmesan, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “mangia.”
• Simple Caesar salad – The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a perfect contrast to all that rich, saucy goodness. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re getting your vegetables, which counts for something.
• Roasted vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes tossed with olive oil and Italian seasoning complement the flavors beautifully without competing for attention.
• Antipasto platter – If you’re feeling fancy, arrange some olives, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and maybe some salami on a board. It’s like having your own little Italian restaurant right at home.
• Steamed broccoli – Sometimes you just need something green and simple to balance out all that cheese and pepperoni. Your conscience will thank you, even if your taste buds are already perfectly happy.

Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)

Here are some game-changing tips that’ll take your chicken pepperoni pasta from good to absolutely incredible.

• Don’t skip seasoning the chicken – Salt and pepper might seem basic, but they’re doing the heavy lifting here. Season generously before you start cooking, because bland chicken is the enemy of happiness.
• Save some pasta water – Before you drain that pasta, grab a cup of the starchy cooking liquid. If your sauce seems too thick or the pasta looks dry, a splash of this liquid gold will bring everything together like magic.
• Let the pepperoni get crispy – When you add those pepperoni slices to the pan, give them a minute to sizzle and crisp up slightly. They’ll release more flavor and add a nice texture contrast to the tender chicken.
• Taste as you go – Your jar of spaghetti sauce might need a little help, so don’t be afraid to add extra garlic, a pinch of Italian seasoning, or even a tiny bit of sugar if it tastes too acidic.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables – Those peppers and mushrooms should still have some bite to them. Nobody wants mushy vegetables swimming in their pasta, trust me on this one.
• Layer your cheese – Mix some mozzarella right into the hot pasta so it gets melty and gooey, then sprinkle more on top for that picture-perfect cheese pull moment.

Nutritional Facts

This hearty pasta dish packs plenty of protein while delivering those satisfying Italian flavors you crave.

• Calories per serving: Approximately 520-580 calories (based on 6 servings)
• Protein powerhouse: Each serving delivers 35-40 grams of protein from the chicken, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese
• Carbohydrates: About 45-50 grams per serving, primarily from the pasta with additional carbs from vegetables
• Fat content: 18-22 grams per serving, with saturated fat from cheese and pepperoni balanced by lean chicken breast
• Fiber boost: 4-6 grams of fiber from the vegetables, pasta, and tomato sauce
• Sodium consideration: Contains 800-1000mg of sodium per serving due to pepperoni, sauce, and cheese – about 35% of daily recommended intake
• Vitamin C: Bell peppers contribute significant vitamin C, supporting immune function
• B-vitamins: Chicken provides essential B-vitamins, particularly B6 and niacin for energy metabolism
• Calcium source: Mozzarella cheese adds approximately 200mg of calcium per serving
• Iron content: Moderate iron levels from chicken and enriched pasta support healthy blood function
• Lycopene benefits: Tomato-based sauce provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant

Fun “Did You Know?”

While most people associate pepperoni with pizza, this beloved Italian-American creation actually originated in the United States around 1919, making it a relatively modern addition to Italian cuisine.

I find it fascinating that traditional Italian salami inspired American butchers to create this spicier, smokier version that we recognize today.

Another interesting fact: rotini pasta’s corkscrew shape isn’t just decorative—it’s specifically designed to grab and hold onto sauces and ingredients like our pepperoni and vegetables.

This makes every bite more flavorful than smooth pasta shapes, which is why I recommend it for this hearty dish.