Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe

A creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and a luscious, creamy sauce—Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that takes inspiration from the bold flavors of Southwestern cuisine. This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal.

Step 1: Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken

The first step in making Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is to prepare and cook the chicken breasts. This will ensure the chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the chicken get a nice sear.
2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
4. Slice the chicken: After the chicken has rested for a few minutes, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to mix with the pasta later on.

Step 2: Preparing the Creamy Southwest Sauce

The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with Southwest flavors that will complement the chicken and pasta perfectly.

1. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The garlic should become fragrant.
2. Add the liquid ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the seasonings: Stir in the cream cheese, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and dried oregano. Keep stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Add lime juice: Stir in the fresh lime juice to give the sauce a refreshing kick. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 3: Cooking the Pasta

While you’re preparing the sauce, you can cook the pasta. The pasta will absorb the creamy sauce, making each bite incredibly flavorful.

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 4: Combining Everything

Now that your chicken, sauce, and pasta are ready, it’s time to combine them into the final dish.

1. Add the pasta to the sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy Southwest sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Add the chicken: Add the sliced or chopped chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well mixed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
3. Simmer: Let the pasta and chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once the creamy Southwest chicken pasta is ready, it’s time to give it the finishing touches before serving.

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. Lime wedges can be served on the side for an extra burst of citrus.
2. Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken mixture, making sure to get a nice balance of chicken, pasta, and sauce in each serving.

Tips for Perfect Southwest Chicken Pasta

• Use chicken thighs: If you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut of chicken, you can swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re tender and work well in creamy pasta dishes.
• Add more heat: If you like spice, feel free to add more chili powder, red pepper flakes, or even a diced jalapeño to the sauce for extra heat.
• Make it vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn.
• Use whole wheat pasta: To make this dish even healthier, opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added fiber.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread or a warm dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside some grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn, to add a smoky flavor to your meal.

Variations

• Add Bacon: For extra flavor, add crumbled cooked bacon to the pasta.
• Use Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist on this creamy dish.
• Make it Spicy: Add more chili powder or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Top with Avocado: Sliced avocado on top of the pasta adds a creamy, fresh texture to each bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve, then combine everything.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are great alternatives.

Conclusion

Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together a variety of tastes and textures in every bite. With tender chicken, a zesty creamy sauce, and pasta, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print

A creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and a luscious, creamy sauce—Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that takes inspiration from the bold flavors of Southwestern cuisine. This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 8 ounces penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for a fresh kick)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
   
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
   
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
   
4. Season and Make the Sauce: Stir in the remaining cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.
   
5. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the shredded cheese and stir until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
   
6. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
   
7. Finish and Serve: Stir in the lime juice

Notes

Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, corn, or spinach, for extra flavor and nutrition.

Spicy Version: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño for a spicier kick.

Lightened-Up Version: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative instead of heavy cream. You can also use reduced-fat cheese.

Make it a One-Pan Meal: If you prefer fewer dishes, you can cook the pasta in the same skillet with the sauce by adding the uncooked pasta directly to the sauce and covering it. Add extra broth or water to help the pasta cook evenly.