Southwestern Pasta

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Southwestern Pasta, a bold and creamy dish that perfectly marries zesty spices with wholesome ingredients. This quick and easy recipe pairs tender penne pasta with a colorful medley of sautéed bell peppers, black beans, and corn, all simmered in a luscious, spiced cream sauce infused with chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this hearty dish offers the perfect balance of smoky heat and creamy comfort. Ideal for busy weeknights, this Southwest-inspired pasta is ready in just 35 minutes and delivers big flavor with every bite. Perfect for fans of Tex-Mex cuisine, don’t forget to make it your own by adjusting the cayenne level for a personalized kick!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tsp (adjust to taste) salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers have softened.

Step 6

Stir in the black beans, corn kernels, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper over the vegetable mixture. Stir to evenly coat the ingredients with the spices.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to create a creamy sauce.

Step 9

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth.

Step 10

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 11

Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 12

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2043.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3621.6

Total Fat 158.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 361.1mg	0%
Sodium 3373.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 436.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 58.1g	0%
Total Sugars 34.1g
Protein 115.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1110.4mg	0%
Iron 26.9mg	0%
Potassium 4065.0mg	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: 39.2%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 48.1%