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–+ servings
Southwest Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Southwest Chicken Alfredo for Ultimate Comfort Food

This Creamy Southwest Chicken Alfredo is a delightful escape with bold flavors and creamy texture, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
For the Pasta
  • ½ lb Penne Pasta
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half
  • 1½ cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 15 oz can Diced Tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 cup Onion chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or maple syrup
For the Seasoning
  • 1½ teaspoons Chili Powder part of seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin part of seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon Oregano part of seasoning blend
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika part of seasoning blend
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper part of seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon Salt part of seasoning blend
  • ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne part of seasoning blend
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil for cooking

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Southwest Chicken Alfredo
  1. Prepare the seasoning by mixing the southwest spice blend in a small bowl.
  2. Marinate the chicken in honey and half of the seasoning for 10 minutes.
  3. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, then drain.
  4. Sauté the marinated chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Sauté the chopped onion, then add minced garlic until fragrant.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes and remaining seasoning, simmering for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Incorporate the heavy cream and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Stir in cooked chicken and cheddar cheese until melted.
  9. Mix in the penne pasta, adding reserved cooking water if needed.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on stove with water or cream to adjust consistency.

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