Speedy Ziti with Zesty Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with Speedy Ziti with Zesty Chicken, a quick and flavorful pasta recipe that's ready in just 30 minutes! Featuring tender, bite-sized chicken breast seasoned with bold zesty Italian seasoning, and tossed with al dente ziti in a luscious tomato-cream sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without the wait. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty finish while optional crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil bring a vibrant touch to the comforting meal. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, this hearty recipe combines bold flavors and easy preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Make Speedy Ziti with Zesty Chicken your next family favorite—it’s satisfying, simple, and absolutely delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons zesty Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the zesty Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. If using, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
Add the diced tomatoes (with liquid) and the remaining 1 teaspoon of zesty Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2 minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the sauce. Add the cooked ziti pasta, tossing everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Speedy Ziti with Zesty Chicken!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
549 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.7 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.2 g | 51% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 136 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 936 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.4 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 45.1 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 151 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 545 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
