Easy Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe: Zesty Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting a mouthwatering southwest chicken pasta recipe brings zesty flavors right to your dinner table.

Culinary adventures often start with unexpected combinations that spark excitement.

Southwest spices dance through tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a delightful meal.

Bold chili and cumin notes promise a vibrant dining experience without complicated techniques.

Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing dish that delivers robust, satisfying results.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary weeknight into a flavor celebration.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible southwestern-inspired comfort food.

What Goes Into Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Chicken: Tender protein that serves as the primary meat in this Southwest-inspired dish.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps create a smooth and flavorful sauce.

• Penne Pasta: Tubular pasta that catches and holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Rich base that provides a luxurious and silky texture to the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that adds extra creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty ingredient that brings additional richness and depth of flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Taco Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that adds bold Southwest-style flavor to the chicken and sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh ingredient that provides bright acidity and additional texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a vibrant garnish and classic Southwest taste.

How To Make Southwest Chicken Pasta Fast

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Heat a large pot of water with salt until it reaches a rolling boil. Drop the penne pasta into the bubbling water and cook following package directions until perfectly tender. Drain the pasta completely and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Taco seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fully cooked through, around 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Tomatoes

Fold diced tomatoes into the chicken mixture. Let them simmer and mingle for 2-3 minutes, releasing their vibrant flavors.

Step 4: Create Velvety Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Softened cream cheese
• Chicken broth

Whisk ingredients until cream cheese dissolves completely, creating a silky smooth sauce. Adjust consistency by adding extra chicken broth if needed.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese into the skillet. Stir until cheese melts entirely, transforming the sauce into a luxurious, creamy delight.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently combine cooked penne with the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets a perfect coating of flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Shower each portion with freshly chopped cilantro. Dive into this southwestern comfort dish while it’s piping hot!

Tips To Get Southwest Chicken Pasta Just Right

• Choose Quality Pasta: Select a sturdy penne pasta that holds sauce well, ensuring each bite is packed with creamy Southwest flavors.
• Prevent Chicken Dryness: Cook chicken on medium heat and stir frequently to maintain moisture, avoiding tough or rubbery texture.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding chicken broth, creating a perfectly creamy and smooth consistency without being too runny.
• Layer Flavor Gradually: Add spices and seasonings in stages during cooking to build depth and ensure each ingredient releases maximum taste potential.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation, stirring gently until smoothly incorporated into sauce.

Tasty Ways To Change Southwest Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Southwest Pasta: Replace chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a plant-based protein alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the Southwest flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa. Ensure all seasoning mixes are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process. Incorporate pepper jack cheese instead of regular shredded cheese to increase the heat and complexity of the dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Best Pairings For Southwest Chicken Pasta Dish

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Select a crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the Southwest flavors and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Enhance Citrus Margarita: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to balance the rich, spicy elements of the pasta dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match Creamy Avocado Salad: Create a light side salad with ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, and a tangy lime vinaigrette to echo the Southwest theme and provide a cool, fresh counterpoint to the warm pasta.
• Serve Jalapeño Cornbread: Bake a quick cornbread with diced jalapeños to add a spicy, textural side that complements the creamy pasta and enhances the Southwest profile.

Keep Southwest Chicken Pasta Fresh The Easy Way

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently while adding small amount of chicken broth or cream to restore creamy consistency. Warm for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop method.

FAQs On Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Is this pasta dish spicy?

The southwest taco seasoning adds a mild kick, but it’s not overly hot. You can adjust the spice level by using less or more taco seasoning depending on your preference.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or bowtie pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

Simply add a little more chicken broth, stirring until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The sauce should be creamy but not too heavy or dry.

• Can I make this recipe with a different protein?

Yes, you can easily swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp if you want to change up the protein while keeping the southwest flavor profile.

Why Southwest Chicken Pasta Is A Flavorful Favorite

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your taste preferences, making this recipe super flexible for different palates.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with bold southwestern flavors and creamy texture, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love it.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process mean you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with chicken and cheesy goodness, this recipe provides a satisfying and nutritious dinner that keeps you full and energized.

Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy southwest chicken pasta brings fiery flavors dancing across your plate with bold southwestern charm. Mexican-inspired ingredients meld perfectly, creating a zesty culinary journey you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Garnish:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and reserve for later assembly.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Add diced chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté chicken for 7-8 minutes, stirring consistently until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
3. Incorporate diced tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to warm and meld with the chicken for 2-3 minutes, creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Reduce skillet heat to low simmer. Pour in heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Whisk continuously until cream cheese dissolves completely, forming a silky, uniform sauce. Adjust consistency by adding additional chicken broth if needed.
5. Gradually introduce shredded cheese, stirring until fully melted and integrated into the sauce. If sauce appears too dense, supplement with extra chicken broth to achieve desired texture.
6. Gently fold cooked penne pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is generously coated with the Southwest-inspired sauce.
7. Transfer to serving dishes immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve piping hot and savor the rich, creamy flavors.

Notes

• Use high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result, ensuring they are evenly diced for consistent cooking.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice enthusiasts.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Gluten-free option: Swap regular penne with chickpea or lentil pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the dish’s robust southwestern profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg