Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe

If you’re looking to shake up your pasta night with a little southwestern flair, you’ll fall head over heels for this Southwest Chicken Alfredo. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with the bold flavors of chili, cumin, and paprika, this dish takes classic Alfredo on a trip south of the border. The tender chicken, sweet honey, and a colorful blend of tomatoes and cilantro bring the whole thing together for a meal that practically sparkles on your dinner table. Trust me, once you try this Southwest Chicken Alfredo, it’ll become a favorite you turn to again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how the essential ingredients for this Southwest Chicken Alfredo work magic together. Each one isn’t just for flavor – they add richness, color, and texture that make the whole dish sing. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and how to get the most out of every bite.

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy penne holds onto all that creamy sauce and those big southwest flavors.
• Chicken Breasts: Cut into strips so they cook quickly and soak up the seasoning perfectly.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds juicy bursts of flavor and a gorgeous color contrast in every spoonful.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, silky Alfredo sauce that coats everything beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar if possible – it brings extra punch and melts like a dream.
• Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to balance out the spice.
• Garlic: Four cloves might sound bold, but the flavor mellows and turns magical once cooked.
• Honey: Just a touch to mellow the spices and give the chicken irresistible caramelization.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and carry the flavors of your spices into the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and amplifies the southwestern seasoning as it cooks the onions.
• Cilantro: A bright, herby finish that wakes up the whole dish right before serving.
• Chili Powder: The heart of the southwest blend, for bold warmth and scent.
• Cumin: Earthy and fragrant, cumin anchors the smoky flavor profile.
• Oregano: Adds a savory, herbal note to balance all the richness.
• Paprika: Choose smoked if you’re adventurous, for extra depth and color.
• Black Pepper: Just a nudge for a peppery kick that complements the other spices.
• Salt: Essential, of course, to bring out all the flavors.
• Cayenne: Use a light hand for gentle heat; add a pinch more if you like things spicy!

How to Make Southwest Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Mix Your Southwest Seasoning

Before you get cooking, stir together your chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl. This homemade spice mix will set the tone for classic Southwest Chicken Alfredo flavor. It’s easy to adjust the level of cayenne to match everyone’s heat tolerance, so feel free to make it milder or bolder!

Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips and add them to a large bowl. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle over half of your spice blend. Toss everything together until every piece of chicken is well coated – the honey helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle sweetness that will shine through later.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your penne. Cook it to al dente, just as the package instructs – you want the pasta to have a little bite, since it will finish cooking with the saucy chicken. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to reserve a splash of pasta water in case your sauce needs loosening up at the end.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Lay in the seasoned chicken strips and cook for a few minutes on each side, just until cooked through and golden brown. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once finished, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you build your sauce.

Step 5: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet, add the butter and then toss in the onions. Cook them until they turn soft and fragrant. Add your minced garlic and cook another minute so it releases its flavor, then pour in the diced tomatoes along with the remaining southwest seasoning blend. Let the mixture come up to a gentle simmer, which will meld all those bright flavors together.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Now comes the creamy part! Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to incorporate it fully without curdling. When the sauce starts to bubble gently, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Scatter in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix everything gently until the cheese melts right into the sauce. Add your cooked penne, tossing to ensure every noodle is swirled with that luscious Southwest Chicken Alfredo sauce. Take it off the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes – this helps the flavors settle and the sauce thicken.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, give the pasta a final stir and sprinkle with plenty of chopped cilantro. The bright herbs add a finishing flourish that makes each bite extra fresh and irresistible. All that’s left now is to call everyone to the table!

How to Serve Southwest Chicken Alfredo

Garnishes

For a dish as colorful as Southwest Chicken Alfredo, garnishes are where you can really let your personality shine. Chopped cilantro is the classic choice, but you can also add a handful of thinly sliced green onions, a squeeze of fresh lime for a zesty finish, or even a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar right before serving. If you love a touch of heat, diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper can add a playful kick!

Side Dishes

This creamy, vibrant pasta pairs perfectly with simple, fresh sides that play off its bold flavors. Try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lime vinaigrette, or offer a platter of roasted corn and black beans to keep that southwestern theme alive. Even a basket of warm garlic bread or cheesy cornbread muffins wouldn’t go amiss to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want your Southwest Chicken Alfredo to be the star at your next dinner party? Serve it in big family-style bowls with all the toppings laid out so everyone can customize their plate. Or, try spooning the pasta into individual ramekins, topping each with extra cheese, and popping them under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. For a playful twist, use the sauce and chicken as a filling for stuffed bell peppers and bake until melty and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southwest Chicken Alfredo can be a weeknight lifesaver! Let the pasta cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, don’t worry – a splash of milk or cream will loosen it right up when you reheat.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes better than most cheesy pastas! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For the best texture, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You might lose a bit of creaminess, but the southwest flavors hold up beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, scoop the Southwest Chicken Alfredo into a saucepan with a splash of cream or milk to bring back its silky texture. Warm over low heat, stirring frequently, until hot. For individual servings, a microwave works in a pinch – just don’t overheat or the cheese can separate. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving and you’re good as new!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne is great for catching sauce, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The sauce for Southwest Chicken Alfredo is super versatile and will cling happily to any hearty pasta.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

To lighten things up, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, use reduced-fat cheddar, or even try grilled chicken instead of pan-seared. Keep in mind the sauce will be a bit less rich, but you’ll still enjoy plenty of southwest flavor.

Can I make Southwest Chicken Alfredo vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cubes of roasted sweet potato for a satisfying vegetarian twist on Southwest Chicken Alfredo. The sauce and spices will still bring tons of personality.

What’s the best way to add extra heat?

If you like things fiery, double the cayenne or add diced jalapeños to the skillet when you cook the onions. A little hot sauce in the finished sauce also goes a long way to amping up the heat.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce (minus the pasta) a day or two ahead and keep it refrigerated. When you’re ready to eat, simmer gently, stir in fresh-cooked pasta, garnish, and serve. It’s a great way to save time on a busy weeknight.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the creamy, spicy, and comforting flavors packed into every bite of Southwest Chicken Alfredo. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t wait – give it a try and see how quickly it becomes one of your go-to favorites!

Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Southwest Chicken Alfredo is a delicious twist on the classic Alfredo pasta dish, infused with flavorful Southwest spices and tender chicken. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with a hint of heat, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Penne Pasta:

1/2 lb.

Chicken Breasts (cut into 1″ strips):

1 lb.

Diced Tomatoes:

1 (15 oz.) can

Heavy Cream:

1 cup

Cheddar Cheese (shredded):

1 1/2 cups

Onion (chopped):

1 cup

Garlic Cloves (minced):

4

Honey:

1 tbsp

Olive Oil:

1 tbsp

Butter:

1 tbsp

Cilantro (chopped):

2 tbsp

Chili Powder:

1 1/2 tsp

Cumin:

1/2 tsp

Oregano:

1/2 tsp

Paprika:

1 tsp

Black Pepper:

1/4 tsp

Salt:

1/2 tsp

Cayenne:

1/8 tsp

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the southwest seasoning blend together. Combine the seasonings for the chicken.
2. Add cut chicken to a large bowl and drizzle in honey and half of the seasonings. Coat the chicken strips with honey and seasonings.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden. Cook the chicken until done, then transfer to a plate.
5. Add onion, butter, garlic, diced tomatoes, and seasonings to the skillet. Simmer. Create the sauce with tomatoes, cream, and seasonings.
6. Pour in heavy cream, add chicken and cheese, then combine with cooked pasta. Mix the pasta with the creamy sauce and chicken.
7. Let sit, then serve sprinkled with cilantro. Garnish with chopped cilantro before enjoying.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Southwest Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Alfredo, Southwest Flavors, Pasta Dish