Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta
Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is a hearty
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in corn, black beans, green chiles, and bell pepper.
- Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss to coat.
- Finish with cilantro and lime juice; adjust seasoning to taste.
Notes
- Swap cream for half-and-half to lighten it up.
- Add jalapeños or chipotle powder for extra heat.
Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings together smoky spices, tender chicken, and a rich, velvety sauce. Inspired by Southwest flavors, it features chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for warmth, balanced by sweet corn, hearty black beans, and mild green chiles. The creamy base wraps every bite of pasta, while melted cheese adds depth and a subtle tang.
A squeeze of fresh lime at the end brightens the dish and keeps it from feeling heavy. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly, yet it’s bold enough to feel exciting and indulgent. It’s also highly customizable—easy to make spicier, lighter, or packed with extra veggies. Whether served family-style or portioned for leftovers, this pasta is comforting, satisfying, and full of crave-worthy Southwest flair.
