Southwestern Skillet Pasta

Bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors, this Southwestern Skillet Pasta is a one-pan wonder that combines hearty penne pasta with a vibrant medley of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Infused with aromatic spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, this dish delivers a perfect balance of smoky heat and creamy comfort, thanks to a luscious blend of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese. Quick to make in just 40 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser ideal for busy weeknights. Garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions, this colorful and satisfying meal is a must-try for pasta lovers seeking a Southwestern twist. Perfect as a family dinner or a shareable dish, this hearty skillet recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Step 7

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a creamy sauce.

Step 8

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy your Southwestern Skillet Pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2446.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2976.5

Total Fat 116.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 240mg	0%
Sodium 6141.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 382.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 49.1g	0%
Total Sugars 36.5g
Protein 105.0g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1119.1mg	0%
Iron 25.5mg	0%
Potassium 3508.8mg	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: 35.0%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 51.0%