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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to warm and meld with the chicken for 2-3 minutes, creating a robust flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold cooked penne pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is generously coated with the Southwest-inspired sauce.
- 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