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Southwest Chicken Pasta (With Penne Pasta)

Southwest Chicken Pasta (With Penne Pasta)

An easy and delicious Southwest Chicken Pasta loaded with Tex-Mex flavors and a creamy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 servings
Calories 478 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven Pot
  • Box Cheese Grater
  • Garlic Press
  • Thermometer
  • Pasta Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts about 2 large chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 15 oz black beans drained & rinsed
  • 15 oz corn drained
  • 10 oz Rotel original diced tomatoes w/ green chilies
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • chopped fresh cilantro optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. When done, drain it in a colander but do not rinse the pasta.
  • Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over top and use your clean hands to press and pat the seasoning all over each piece.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet pan, over medium-high heat, along with the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until the chicken is completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil into the same skillet pan and cook the onions until they are softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Stir in the black beans, corn, Rotel, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
  • Add the chicken pieces back into the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Stir to combine and let it heat through for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

I do not recommend substituting a lower fat milk for the heavy cream. The heavy cream is what makes the sauce thick.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 478kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 26gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 222mgPotassium: 662mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 839IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 157mgIron: 3mg
Keyword southwest chicken pasta
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