Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe

Are you ready to dive into a bowl of comfort that’s bursting with flavor? This Southwest Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for those busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something hearty and delicious. With a delightful mix of spices, tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheese, this pasta dish will quickly become a favorite in your home. Made with rotini pasta and a medley of colorful ingredients, it’s not just a feast for the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

This Southwest Chicken Pasta combines the rich flavors of the Southwest with the comfort of a creamy pasta dish. The rotini pasta perfectly captures the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. The combination of spices like cumin and chili powder adds depth, while the creamy texture from the heavy cream and cheeses creates a luscious mouthfeel. Plus, using rotisserie chicken saves you time, making this recipe not only delicious but also quick to prepare.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1/2 lb rotini pasta or pasta shape of choice – This corkscrew shape holds the sauce beautifully.
• 4 tablespoons butter – For sautéing and adding richness.
• 1 1/2 cups onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Essential for that aromatic kick.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced – For color and crunch.
• 1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds sweetness and visual appeal.
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced – Adjust according to your heat preference.
• 10 oz corn (frozen, or kernels from 3 fresh ears of corn) – Sweet pops of flavor.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – For thickening the sauce.
• 2 cups chicken stock – The base of your flavorful sauce.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – For a bit of heat and depth.
• Salt, to taste – Enhances overall flavor.
• Black pepper, to taste – Adds a hint of spice.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream – For a rich and creamy texture.
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded – A classic cheese that melts beautifully.
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Adds stretchiness and creaminess.
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded – Convenient and packed with flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups tortilla chips, crushed – For a crunchy topping that adds texture.

Essential Tools for Success

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
• Large skillet – To sauté the vegetables and combine ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Essential for stirring and mixing.
• Colander – To drain the pasta.

Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, green and red bell peppers, and jalapenos. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add the Corn and Flour

Mix in the corn and sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the veggies in flour, cooking for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Pasta

Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked pasta, mixing until everything is well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Bake Your Pasta Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Southwest Chicken Pasta!

Holiday-Friendly Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with black beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spicy Variation: Add more jalapenos or diced chipotle peppers for extra heat.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix in cream cheese or pepper jack cheese for additional creaminess and flavor.
• Seasonal Veggies: Swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up.
• For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.
• If your dish is too spicy, balance it out with a bit of sugar or honey.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Leftover Southwest Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore creaminess.

Quick Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like spinach, kale, or even diced tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

Make It Tonight

This Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a family dinner or as a dish to impress guests. With its creamy texture and delightful mix of spices, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to whip up this delicious dish that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!