Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe
When I first made Southwest Chicken Alfredo, I couldn’t stop going back for more. The creamy sauce, paired with the bold flavors of southwestern spices, felt like a comforting yet exciting twist on classic Alfredo.
I love how easy this dish is to whip up, and it’s always a hit with friends and family. With a perfect balance of cheesy richness and a touch of spice, this recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen.
Credit: amandacooksandstyles
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some tips to make sure your dish is perfect.
- Chicken breasts (1 lb): Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Fresh chicken works best to keep the texture tender and juicy.
- Penne pasta (½ lb): Any short pasta like rotini or ziti will work, but penne holds the sauce beautifully. Cook it al dente for the best results.
- Diced tomatoes (15 oz): A can of diced tomatoes adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Opt for fire-roasted for a smokier kick.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce its velvety, rich texture. Avoid substituting with milk unless you’re looking for a lighter sauce.
- Cheddar cheese (1½ cups, shredded): Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor and shred it fresh for the creamiest melt.
- Onion (1 cup, chopped): Yellow onions provide a mildly sweet taste, but white onions also work.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Nothing beats the flavor of fresh garlic in this recipe.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
- Cilantro (2 tbsp, chopped): Sprinkled on top, it adds freshness and visual appeal.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for getting a golden sear on the chicken.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Enriches the sauce and helps the onions caramelize.
Southwest Seasoning
- Chili powder (1½ tsp)
- Cumin (½ tsp)
- Oregano (½ tsp)
- Paprika (1 tsp, smoked or sweet)
- Black pepper (¼ tsp)
- Salt (½ tsp)
- Cayenne (⅛ tsp): Optional, for an extra spicy kick.
Note: This recipe serves approximately four people, giving each person a generous portion.
Variations
Here’s how you can tweak the recipe to suit different preferences or diets:
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use a plant-based cheddar cheese alternative.
- Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to cut down on carbs.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for more nutrients and texture.
- Less Spice: Skip the cayenne and use plain diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted for a milder flavor profile.
You might also enjoy trying a Sticky Chicken Recipe for another flavorful dinner option.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it takes to whip up this delicious dinner:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You Need
Make sure you have these essentials on hand for smooth cooking:
- Large skillet: For searing chicken and cooking the sauce.
- Large saucepan: Ideal for boiling pasta.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for seasoning and sauce.
- Cutting board and chef’s knife: For prepping the chicken, onions, and garlic.
How to Make Southwest Chicken Alfredo?
Prepare the Chicken and Pasta
Start by combining your southwest seasoning in a small bowl. Toss the chicken strips with honey and half of the seasoning in a large bowl. This step infuses the chicken with sweet and spicy notes. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta and cook it to al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Cook the Aromatics
To the same skillet, add butter and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions soften and turn translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
Add the can of diced tomatoes along with the remaining southwest seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine and Serve
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Toss the cooked penne with the chicken and sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before sprinkling with fresh cilantro and serving.
Credit: amandacooksandstyles
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned to make this dish even more delicious:
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, meltier sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to get that nice golden crust.
- If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen it. The starch in the water ensures the sauce stays silky.
- To save time, chop the onions and garlic while the pasta boils.
How to Serve Southwest Chicken Alfredo?
Serve this dish with garnish-worthy finishing touches for a wow factor. Use fresh cilantro for a pop of color or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an added visual appeal. Pair it with some warm, crusty garlic bread and a simple side salad for a complete meal. Want to impress? Plate the pasta family style on a large platter and top with extra cheese. You can also enjoy similar recipes like the City Chicken Recipe for more comforting meal ideas.
Nutritional Information
This dish is hearty, and here’s the approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 1092
- Protein: 57g
- Carbohydrates: 121g
- Fat: 48g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make it perfect for beginners or busy nights.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add veggies, or swap pasta for endless variations.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The bold flavors and creamy sauce keep everyone coming back for seconds.
- Family-Friendly: It’s not overly spicy, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Comforting and Flavorful: Combines rich ingredients and lively southwestern spices perfectly.
Once you try this Southwest Chicken Alfredo, you’ll see why it’s such a winning recipe. Get ready to add this to your go-to weeknight dinner list! For more chicken-based ideas, check out these Chicken Recipes that are equally delightful.
Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by combining your southwest seasoning in a small bowl. Toss the chicken strips with honey and half of the seasoning in a large bowl. This step infuses the chicken with sweet and spicy notes. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta and cook it to al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- To the same skillet, add butter and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions soften and turn translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes along with the remaining southwest seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Toss the cooked penne with the chicken and sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before sprinkling with fresh cilantro and serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, meltier sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to get that nice golden crust.
- If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen it. The starch in the water ensures the sauce stays silky.
- To save time, chop the onions and garlic while the pasta boils.
