Southwest Barbecue Chicken Pasta
Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this Southwest Barbecue Chicken Pasta, a bold and flavorful fusion of smoky spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce. Perfectly al dente penne is tossed in a luscious blend of barbecue sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar, while sautéed bell peppers and red onion add a pop of fresh sweetness. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts, seared to perfection, crown this hearty dish, and a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime bring a bright finish. With just 45 minutes from start to table, this recipe is a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Perfect for anyone craving a spicy, tangy twist on classic comfort food!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Step 4
In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and add cream cheese, heavy cream, barbecue sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Step 6
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Step 7
Top the pasta with the sliced barbecue chicken and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Step 8
Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1620.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3670.1 |
| Total Fat 160.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 78.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g | |
| Cholesterol 535.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 6505.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 407.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 25.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 108.5g | |
| Protein 147.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 26IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1132.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 21.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2895.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories