This Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta is a creamy dish packed with flavor! Think tender penne pasta mixed with a zesty Alfredo sauce and a hint of spice to make your taste buds dance.
I love how comforting this dish is! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s super easy to make after a busy day. Just boil, mix, and enjoy the creamy goodness. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love penne for its ability to hold onto the creamy sauce. If you’re not a penne fan, you can use rotini or fusilli—both are great alternatives.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here, saving you time. If you’re vegetarian, consider swapping in some sautéed mushrooms or a can of black beans for protein.
Spices: The chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin add the southwestern flair. You can tone down the heat by skipping cayenne or using a milder version of chili powder. Want to add some extra flavor? Try some taco seasoning instead!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative. It might not be as rich, but it’ll still be creamy.
Cheese: Parmesan gives a salty kick, while mozzarella adds creaminess. If you don’t have these, feel free to sub any melty cheese you enjoy, like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
How Do I Make Sure My Alfredo Sauce Comes Out Creamy?
A creamy Alfredo sauce is all about the right technique. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil, ensuring it’s fragrant but not burnt.
- Add your heavy cream and let it simmer gently, but don’t let it boil! This is key to prevent curdling.
- Always stir in cheese gradually; this helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- If your sauce seems too thick, just add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. This water contains starch, which helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Give it a try, and you’ll have a deliciously creamy pasta that your whole family will love!
Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Base:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Protein and Vegetables:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For The Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping, and 15 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside—but don’t rinse it, as the starch will help the sauce stick later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add Chicken and Spices:
Now, add the diced cooked chicken into the skillet. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices and continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes. This will warm the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
4. Mix in the Tomatoes:
Stir in the diced tomatoes and let everything cook together for an additional 2 minutes. The tomatoes should become slightly softened, adding freshness and flavor to the dish.
5. Create the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything to combine. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to gently simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add the Cheeses:
Once the cream has thickened a bit, add the grated Parmesan and half of the mozzarella cheese into the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens!
7. Combine with Pasta:
Now it’s time to combine! Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Dish the creamy pasta into bowls. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and add the chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
9. Optional Topping:
If you like, you can put the pasta under the broiler or in a hot oven for 2-3 minutes to melt and lightly brown the mozzarella topping. Just be sure to keep an eye on it!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta! This dish is perfect for family dinners or any time you crave something cozy and delicious.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! If penne isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with rotini, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk in place of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the sauce might be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with sautéed veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also add black beans for some protein!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
