Buddha's Southwestern Chicken Pasta

Dive into a symphony of bold flavors with Buddha's Southwestern Chicken Pasta—a mouthwatering fusion of tender chicken, al dente penne, and a rich, creamy sauce packed with Tex-Mex flair. Perfectly spiced with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, this dish harmonizes juicy chicken with sautéed bell peppers, jalapeño heat, and a zesty kick of lime. The cheddar-infused sauce adds creamy indulgence, while fresh cilantro and lime juice provide a refreshing finish. Ready in just 45 minutes and serving four, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Embrace the flavors of the Southwest with this hearty and satisfying pasta dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 1 lb Chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 Green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 1 Jalapeño, deseeded and minced
• 1.5 cups Heavy cream
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 Juice of a lime

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Season the chicken breasts with salt, ground black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest. Once cooled, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic, diced red and green bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 6

Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Reduce the heat to low.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 8

Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice for a burst of freshness.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnishing with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2109.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4397.8

Total Fat 241.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 119.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 914.4mg	0%
Sodium 4535.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 295.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.2g	0%
Total Sugars 15.5g
Protein 234.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1405.0mg	0%
Iron 21.9mg	0%
Potassium 1908.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.6%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 27.6%