This Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta is a creamy and zesty delight! It combines tasty penne pasta with a rich Alfredo sauce and a hint of southwestern spices for a fun twist.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this dish after a busy day. Just boil the pasta, mix in the sauce, and let the flavors mingle—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta is perfect for holding onto the rich Alfredo sauce. If you’re out of penne, feel free to substitute with rigatoni or farfalle. They add a nice touch to the dish.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here, but you can switch it up with turkey, shrimp, or even left-over rotisserie chicken to save time.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and color. If you prefer a bit of heat, use jalapeños or opt for green bell peppers for a sharper taste.
Corn: Fresh corn is lovely, but frozen corn works just as well. If you want a different flavor, consider using diced zucchini for a healthier twist.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you’re looking for a different legume, kidney beans or chickpeas would be great alternatives.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as thick. For dairy-free, coconut milk can work nicely!
How Do I Get the Alfredo Sauce Just Right?
The Alfredo sauce is the star here, and it’s quite simple to get it just right! Start by combining the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese in your skillet. Here are steps to make it creamy and smooth:
- Heat the mixture on medium until it begins to bubble, stirring the whole time.
- Once it’s bubbling, reduce heat to low to prevent burning and continue stirring; this helps incorporate the cheese smoothly.
- Let it thicken slightly—about 4-5 minutes—but keep stirring until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Don’t forget to taste as you go! Add salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
Getting the sauce creamy and flavorful is key, so take your time and enjoy the cooking process!
Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It includes 10 minutes for cooking the pasta and about 20 minutes for sautéing and creating that tantalizing creamy sauce with all the flavors mixed in. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until it’s al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it on the side.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, add minced garlic, diced red and yellow bell peppers, corn, and black beans. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, just until the vegetables soften slightly and the colors are vibrant.
4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
Next, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to thicken a bit—this should take about 4-5 minutes. Keep that creamy goodness coming!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it well with the sauce and vegetables. To finish, add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together to make sure the pasta is thoroughly coated in that delicious Alfredo sauce.
6. Adjust and Serve:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if necessary. Once everything is nicely combined and heated through, serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta with a satisfying southwestern kick!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk is a great choice, although it may add a slight coconut flavor.
How Do I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also boost the protein by including chickpeas or tofu!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up!
