Creamy Southwest Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This quick and delicious Southwest Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite! Tender, seasoned chicken strips are pan-seared to perfection and tossed with penne pasta in a creamy, zesty sauce bursting with bold Southwest spices, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. A perfect 30-minute meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and great for weeknight dinners!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4

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Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
  • ½ lb. Penne Pasta
• For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb. Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 cup Onion, chopped
  • 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 (15 oz.) can Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
• Southwest Seasoning Blend:
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne

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Instructions

1. Mix the Seasoning:
   Combine all Southwest seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Season the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, drizzle chicken strips with honey and half of the seasoning mix. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
   • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and the remaining seasoning. Let it simmer gently.
6. Combine Cream and Cheese:
   Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring until fully incorporated. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
7. Toss the Pasta:
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Stir once more before serving, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Enjoy warm!

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Nutrition Information

Per Serving:
Calories: 1092 | Carbs: 121g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 190mg | Sodium: 921mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 49g | Calcium: 893mg | Iron: 18mg

This creamy Southwest-style pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful kick!

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