Southwest Chicken Pasta Description:
Southwest Chicken Pasta is a vibrant, creamy, and slightly spicy dish that blends bold Tex-Mex flavors with hearty pasta. Juicy spiced chicken breast is pan-seared and tossed with colorful bell peppers, black beans, corn, and pasta in a creamy chipotle-lime sauce. It’s satisfying, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
250g (8 oz) penne or rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
1 cup black beans, rinsed & drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
For the Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese
1–2 tsp chipotle in adobo (minced, adjust to taste)
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: fresh cilantro & extra lime wedges for garnishInstructions:
1. Cook Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Remove, rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Sauté Veggies:
In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed.
Sauté bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until slightly soft.
Add garlic, corn, and black beans; cook 2 more minutes.
4. Make the Sauce:
Lower heat and pour in chicken broth and cream.
Stir in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chipotle.
Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add lime juice and season to taste.
5. Assemble:
Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce.
Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):
Calories: 580
Protein: 36g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 590mg
Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Yes! Omit or reduce the chipotle in adobo and add more cream or cheese to mellow the flavor.
Q: Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
A: Absolutely. Just slice and warm it up with the sauce before tossing with the pasta.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute. It’ll still be delicious!
Q: Is it good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowties work well since they hold the sauce.