Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta is a delicious twist on classic alfredo. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of spicy flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. This dish combines tender chicken, rich heavy cream, and southwest seasoning to create a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta because it offers a unique flavor profile that stands out from traditional pasta dishes. The addition of southwest seasoning gives it a nice kick, while the creamy alfredo sauce ensures that it’s still rich and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights!
How to Make Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1 tablespoon southwest seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Season chicken breasts with southwest seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and slice.
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the cream sauce. Stir in the sliced chicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta
Serve Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta in large bowls or plates. You can top each serving with extra cheese or sprinkle some fresh herbs for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal!
How to Store Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The pasta will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of southwest seasoning you use.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Variation
You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian option by omitting the chicken and adding veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as fettuccine or rotini.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and check the labels of your other ingredients to make sure they are gluten-free.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately and combine them before serving. This way, you get a fresh meal quickly!
Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Seasoned with southwest seasoning
- 8 oz penne pasta Cooked according to package instructions
- 1 large onion, diced Sauté with olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Add to sautéed onions
- 1 cup heavy cream For the creamy sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack) Melted into the sauce
- 1 tbl southwest seasoning Adjust to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbl Olive oil for cooking For sautéing ingredients
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Season chicken breasts with southwest seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and slice.
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the cream sauce. Stir in the sliced chicken.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.