This Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish packed with flavor! It features tender chicken, pasta, and a zesty cream sauce that spices things up a bit.
You know what makes this dish even better? It’s quick to whip up, so you can enjoy dinner without waiting forever! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty!
I love adding my favorite veggies to this pasta for extra crunch. Who can resist a meal that’s creamy, spicy, and satisfying? Plus, leftovers taste just as amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne is a great choice for this dish because its shape holds the sauce well. If you don’t have penne, you can use rotini or farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
Chicken Breasts: Diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts add lean protein. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey breast or chickpeas for a vegetarian take. Cooked rotisserie chicken is another quick substitute!
Olive Oil: This oil gives a nice, light flavor when cooking the chicken. You can swap it with avocado oil or even butter for a richer taste, though it may change the overall flavor a bit.
Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have taco seasoning, a mix of cumin, paprika, and chili powder will do the trick. It personalizes the spice level to your taste, or you could use a pre-made blend that’s mild or spicy.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives that luscious texture to the sauce. If you’d like a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut cream. Just note, coconut cream can alter the flavor slightly.
How Can I Ensure a Creamy Sauce?
Getting that amazing creamy sauce is key to this recipe! It’s all about the careful blending of your dairy ingredients. Start by gently heating your heavy cream and cream cheese together until fully combined.
- After cooking the chicken, lower the heat to avoid scorching the cream.
- Add the heavy cream and cream cheese first. Stir until everything is smooth before adding the cheese.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
This method helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents clumping, ensuring a delightful coating for your pasta. Happy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (more if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 20 minutes to cook. That’s a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s browned and cooked all the way through.
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the tomatoes warm up and mix with the chicken. This adds great flavor!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more chicken broth if needed.
5. Melt in the Cheese:
Now, it’s time to add the shredded cheese to your skillet. Stir it in until it melts completely and blends into the sauce, creating a delicious cheesy goodness. If you find the sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more chicken broth!
6. Combine with the Pasta:
Take the cooked penne pasta and gently toss it into the creamy sauce, making sure every piece of pasta is well coated. This is where all the magic happens!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta while it’s hot! Garnish each serving with freshly chopped cilantro to add a nice touch of freshness. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute the Penne Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have penne pasta, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different shapes can vary in how long they take to cook.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and melted butter (use ¾ cup milk with ¼ cup melted butter). Keep in mind that using lighter options might result in a thinner sauce, so adjust with a bit more cream cheese or simmer to thicken the sauce if needed.
Can I Use Cooked Chicken Instead of Raw?
Yes, using cooked chicken is a great time-saver! Simply add the cooked chicken to the skillet when you stir in the diced tomatoes and follow the rest of the instructions. Just make sure the chicken is heated through before adding the creamy ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to restore the creaminess.
