Description

Enjoy a cozy family dinner with this irresistible Southwest Chicken Alfredo. Tender honey-coated chicken breasts are seasoned with a flavorful Southwest spice blend, seared to perfection, and served over creamy cheddar-infused Alfredo sauce tossed with penne pasta and fresh diced tomatoes. A perfect blend of smoky spices, rich creaminess, and comforting pasta makes this dish a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon honey

Pasta

8 ounces penne pasta

Dairy

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter (unsalted recommended)

Produce

1 cup diced tomatoes
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic

Oils & Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Prepare the seasoning blend. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to create a balanced Southwest spice mix.
Season the chicken. Coat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with honey, then sprinkle half of the prepared seasoning blend over the chicken, ensuring all sides are coated for flavorful and tender results.
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown.
Sauté onions and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low in the same skillet. Add butter, then diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are tender and translucent, releasing a sweet aroma.
Simmer tomatoes and spices. Add diced tomatoes and the remaining half of the seasoning blend to the skillet. Simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
Create the Alfredo sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir thoroughly to combine. Gradually add the cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into a creamy sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently for 2-3 minutes to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy Southwest Alfredo sauce.
Slice and serve. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately for a comforting family meal.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level to your preference.
You can substitute penne with other short pasta such as rotini or farfalle.
Use sharp cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend for deeper flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
Leftover chicken can be shredded and mixed into the pasta for a different presentation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southwest American

Keywords: Southwest Chicken Alfredo, creamy chicken pasta, spicy chicken Alfredo, family dinner recipe, penne pasta, cheddar Alfredo sauce