Spicy Sonora Chicken Pasta

Spice up your weeknight dinner routine with this bold and flavorful Spicy Sonora Chicken Pasta! Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection and paired with colorful sautéed bell peppers, jalapeño, and onion, creating a vibrant dish with a kick. A creamy Parmesan sauce infused with chili flakes and a hint of garlic wraps every penne pasta bite in luscious, smoky warmth. This hearty meal, topped with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, is ready in just 45 minutes and serves four, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings. Bursting with Southwest-inspired flavors, this pasta recipe delivers on spice, comfort, and excitement all in one dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pieces chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 large green bell pepper
• 1 large jalapeño
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Rub paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Step 4

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, jalapeño, and onion. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red chili flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet and mix gently to combine.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1519.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3530.4

Total Fat 188.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 94.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.9g
Cholesterol 646.4mg	0%
Sodium 4698.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 290.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.2g	0%
Total Sugars 14.9g
Protein 148.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1032.6mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 2397.2mg	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: 49.1%

Protein: 17.2%

Carbs: 33.7%