Taste of Texas Pasta and Chicken

Indulge in the bold and comforting flavors of the south with this "Taste of Texas Pasta and Chicken" recipe—a true fusion of zesty Tex-Mex flair and creamy pasta perfection. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken pairs beautifully with tender penne pasta, all coated in a rich and smoky chipotle cream sauce. Vibrant bell peppers, onions, and garlic add pops of freshness and depth, while a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh cilantro ties it all together. Finished with a squeeze of lime for a tangy twist, this easy 45-minute dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve up this hearty pasta for a crowd-pleaser that brings the spirit of Texas straight to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium Green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 tbsp Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 pieces Lime wedges

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season them with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, then simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy chipotle sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt, if needed.

Step 7

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to combine. Let the cheese melt into the sauce for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a bright, tangy finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1435.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3158.1

Total Fat 139.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 575.8mg	0%
Sodium 4944.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 288.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.6g	0%
Total Sugars 14.0g
Protein 172.7g	0%

Vitamin D 17.4IU	0%
Calcium 594.3mg	0%
Iron 19.5mg	0%
Potassium 2443.4mg	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: 40.5%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 37.2%