Name: Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful and Comforting Weeknight Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding flavor.; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You’ll want to use chicken breasts for this dish, as they’re tender and cook quickly.; 1 teaspoon chili powder: For the classic southwest flavor and a mild kick of heat.; 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other southwest spices.; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoky and slightly sweet, this spice adds depth to the dish.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a savory background flavor.; Salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken.; 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the onions and garlic and adding richness to the sauce.; 1 small onion, finely chopped: A classic base for building flavor in the sauce.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and flavor.; 1 cup chicken broth: For adding depth to the sauce and helping to create the perfect creamy consistency.; 1 cup heavy cream: The creamy base for the sauce that gives it a smooth and luxurious texture.; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty flavor that enhances the richness of the sauce.; 1/2 cup cream cheese: Helps thicken the sauce and adds extra creaminess.; 1 teaspoon chili powder: To continue the southwest flavor profile and give the sauce a mild heat.; 1 teaspoon ground cumin: For that signature southwestern flavor.; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: To bring in the same smoky depth from the chicken seasoning.; Salt and black pepper: To taste, for balancing the flavors.; 12 oz penne pasta: Penne is perfect for this dish because its shape holds the creamy sauce well, but you can also use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle.; Fresh cilantro, chopped: For a fresh, herbal finish that brightens up the dish.; Lime wedges: For a zesty burst of freshness when squeezed over the pasta before serving.; Sour cream (optional): For a cool, creamy topping that complements the spiced flavors.

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Introduction

Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that brings together bold flavors, creamy textures, and hearty ingredients to create the ultimate comfort food. If you’re someone who loves a little spice with your pasta, this recipe is perfect for you. The combination of tender chicken, zesty southwestern seasonings, and a rich, velvety cream sauce makes this pasta dish both satisfying and irresistible. It’s a one-pot meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and filling.

This dish takes inspiration from the vibrant flavors of Southwestern cuisine, which often features ingredients like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and fresh cilantro. These spices, paired with creamy ingredients like heavy cream and cheese, create a perfectly balanced sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The addition of grilled or pan-seared chicken adds protein and a delicious smoky flavor, making this pasta hearty enough for a complete meal.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is simple to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. We’ll also provide tips for customizing the recipe, suggest side dishes, and offer storage and reheating instructions to help you make the most of this meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Flavorful: The southwest-inspired spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, add a punch of flavor that is sure to awaken your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: With a cooking time of under 30 minutes, this is the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal in a hurry.
Creamy and Comforting: The rich, velvety cream sauce envelops the pasta and chicken, creating a comforting, indulgent dish.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap the chicken for another protein, or add extra veggies to make the dish suit your tastes.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta reheats well, so it’s great for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings, but it can easily be doubled for a larger crowd.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding flavor.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You’ll want to use chicken breasts for this dish, as they’re tender and cook quickly.
1 teaspoon chili powder: For the classic southwest flavor and a mild kick of heat.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other southwest spices.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoky and slightly sweet, this spice adds depth to the dish.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a savory background flavor.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken.

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the onions and garlic and adding richness to the sauce.
1 small onion, finely chopped: A classic base for building flavor in the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and flavor.
1 cup chicken broth: For adding depth to the sauce and helping to create the perfect creamy consistency.
1 cup heavy cream: The creamy base for the sauce that gives it a smooth and luxurious texture.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty flavor that enhances the richness of the sauce.
1/2 cup cream cheese: Helps thicken the sauce and adds extra creaminess.
1 teaspoon chili powder: To continue the southwest flavor profile and give the sauce a mild heat.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: For that signature southwestern flavor.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: To bring in the same smoky depth from the chicken seasoning.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, for balancing the flavors.

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta: Penne is perfect for this dish because its shape holds the creamy sauce well, but you can also use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle.

For Garnish:

Fresh cilantro, chopped: For a fresh, herbal finish that brightens up the dish.
Lime wedges: For a zesty burst of freshness when squeezed over the pasta before serving.
Sour cream (optional): For a cool, creamy topping that complements the spiced flavors.

How to Make Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy.
Slice the Chicken: After the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra flavor to your sauce.
Stir in the Cream: Once the broth has simmered for a couple of minutes, stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add the Cream Cheese and Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and stir it into the sauce until it melts completely. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you want the sauce to be a bit spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy southwest sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish and everything is coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the Pasta: Divide the creamy southwest chicken pasta into individual servings.
Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creamy touch.
Serve Hot: Serve this dish immediately while it’s hot and creamy, perfect for a comforting meal.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Be sure to monitor the cooking time closely and let the chicken rest before slicing.
Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the richest flavor and creamiest texture, stick with full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. Reduced-fat versions won’t give the same luxurious result.
Add Extra Veggies: You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the dish for more color, texture, and nutrients.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika, or skip the cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more spice to suit your tastes.
Use Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the creamy sauce. Don’t skip this garnish—it’s what gives the dish that fresh finishing touch.
Leftovers: This dish reheats wonderfully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Conclusion

Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner for those who crave bold flavors and creamy comfort. The tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create a harmonious dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. The balance of spices, creamy cheese, and fresh cilantro brings the flavors of the Southwest to your plate in a simple yet luxurious way. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite pasta dish that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Introduction

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Preparation Time and Servings