This Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! With a hint of spice from Southwest seasoning and fresh veggies, it’s a real treat for your taste buds!
Add a little kick to your pasta night! I love how quick it is to make. Just cook the penne, mix in the sauce, and toss in your favorite veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is the heart of the dish! Penne’s shape holds the sauce beautifully. If you don’t have penne, feel free to swap in fusilli or rotini, which have similar capabilities in capturing sauces.
Chicken Breast: I love using chicken breast for its mild flavor and tenderness. You can easily swap it for cooked shrimp or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas for a vegetarian version!
Southwest Seasoning: A pre-packaged mix is super convenient, but you can make one at home! Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for your blend. Adjust the spice level according to your taste.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream adds richness, you can use half-and-half for a lighter option. For dairy-free, try coconut cream or a cashew cream mix!
Cheeses: Parmesan is a classic, but feel free to mix it up! Romano can work well, and if you want extra creaminess, try adding cream cheese into the sauce.
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Creamy Alfredo Sauce?
A creamy Alfredo sauce is all about the right technique. Here’s how to make it smooth and delicious:
- Once you’ve sautéed your garlic, be sure to lower the heat before adding cream. This prevents curdling.
- Let your sauce simmer gently—too much heat can cause the cream to separate.
- Gradually add in the cheese, stirring constantly. This helps the cheese melt evenly and gives you that creamy texture.
- Don’t forget to taste your sauce before serving. This is the moment to adjust with salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness!
Following these steps will ensure your sauce is rich, creamy, and simply delightful!
Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Protein:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) Southwest seasoning mix (or homemade blend: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Veggies:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the water and cooking the penne, and another 20 minutes sautéing the chicken and preparing the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with the Southwest seasoning mix to coat them evenly. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes or until it’s cooked through and nicely browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Veggies and Sauce:
In the same skillet, if needed, add a little more olive oil and then sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, roughly 30 seconds. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it’s wilted.
4. Make It Creamy:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to combine with the creamy sauce. Finally, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that delicious Southwest Alfredo sauce.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped cilantro and, if you like, a bit more Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out your creamy Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta while it’s warm, and enjoy every mouthful!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can swap it for any pasta shape such as fusilli, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or cashew cream also works wonderfully, although it may add a slight coconut flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just make sure to sauté them until they’re tender before adding the cream to keep everything evenly cooked.
