Southwest Chicken Pasta

Get ready to spice up your weeknight dinner rotation with this Southwest Chicken Pasta, a bold and satisfying fusion of smoky Southwestern flavors and creamy pasta goodness. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are paired with colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all simmered in a rich sauce made from diced tomatoes with green chilies, heavy cream, and melted cheddar cheese. Tossed with perfectly al dente penne pasta and finished with a zesty squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this vibrant dish is as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this quick, one-pan recipe is perfect for busy nights or a flavorful dinner that feels like an escape to the Southwest.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Southwest seasoning
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 large green bell pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies (canned)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 whole lime

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts with the Southwest seasoning, making sure to coat all sides evenly.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 3

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

While the pasta is cooking, dice the red and green bell peppers and the yellow onion, and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 5

In the same skillet used for the chicken, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced peppers and onions, and sauté for 4-5 minutes or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 9

Top the pasta with sliced chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the dish for a fresh, tangy finish.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy your Southwest Chicken Pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2001.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3557.2

Total Fat 164.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 80.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 647.1mg	0%
Sodium 5034.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 314.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.6g
Protein 187.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1026.5mg	0%
Iron 20.1mg	0%
Potassium 2352.1mg	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: 42.4%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 36.0%