Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad

Bursting with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic dish. Tender penne pasta is combined with seasoned, juicy chicken, crisp red bell peppers, sweet corn, and protein-packed black beans, creating a satisfying base for this colorful salad. A zesty cilantro-lime dressing, made creamy with mayonnaise and sour cream, ties everything together with its tangy, mildly spicy kick. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing weeknight meal, this chilled pasta salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Ready in just 40 minutes with simple pantry staples and fresh produce, it’s a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, cooked pasta, corn, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken mixture. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1831.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3606.1

Total Fat 139.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 532.0mg	0%
Sodium 3235.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 385.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.4g	0%
Total Sugars 28.6g
Protein 211.7g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 317.3mg	0%
Iron 25.8mg	0%
Potassium 3744.1mg	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: 34.4%

Protein: 23.2%

Carbs: 42.3%