Description
Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, spicy seasonings, and a creamy sauce tossed with pasta. It’s a perfect blend of heat and comfort, making it a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 8 oz pasta (penne or your choice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and slice.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add corn and diced tomatoes, bringing to a simmer. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: Approximately 650
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 30g
Preparation Time
Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Pair with tortilla chips or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Offer extra lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Additional Tips
- Make it ahead: Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance; combine with pasta when ready to serve.
- Add veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or black beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese?
A1: Yes! You can substitute Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Q2: How can I make it lighter?
A2: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.
Q3: Can I add other proteins?
A3: Shrimp or ground turkey are great alternatives.
Q4: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A4: Yes! Adjust the spice level to suit your kids’ tastes.
Q5: How can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Use gluten-free pasta and check all ingredients for gluten content.
This Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is a delicious and hearty meal that brings a burst of flavor to your table. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish!
Print
Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 8 oz pasta (penne or your choice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and slice.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add corn and diced tomatoes, bringing to a simmer. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 30g
