Southwest Chicken Alfredo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southwest Chicken Alfredo is a bold and creamy fusion of classic Italian Alfredo and zesty Southwest flavors. Tender chicken, smoky spices, and colorful bell peppers are tossed with pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce with a hint of heat. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you’re craving something hearty with a southwestern kick.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
pasta (fettuccine or penne)
olive oil
bell peppers (red, yellow, or green, sliced)
garlic (minced)
chili powder
cumin
paprika
salt
black pepper
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (grated)
cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
lime juice (optional, for brightness)
fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté bell peppers until tender. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan and optional cream cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens.

Add cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.

Adjust seasoning to taste and squeeze in a bit of lime juice if desired.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or steak instead of chicken.
Add corn or black beans for a heartier dish.
Swap in pepper jack or cheddar for a spicier cheese sauce.
Make it vegetarian with mushrooms or tofu.
Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
Not ideal for freezing due to dairy-based sauce, but can be done with slight texture changes.

FAQs

Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to increase heat.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner—add a bit of flour or cream cheese to help thicken.

Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all spices and cream are gluten-free.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream alternatives and cheese substitutes if needed.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a great time-saver—just add it toward the end to warm through.

Can I make it ahead?
You can prep and store the components, then reheat and combine just before serving.

What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or rotini hold the sauce well.

Do I need to use all three spices?
They create the Southwest flavor, but you can adjust to your taste.

Can I bake it after cooking?
Yes, top with cheese and bake until bubbly for a casserole-style dish.

Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, just reduce the spice level if needed.

Conclusion

Southwest Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, satisfying meal packed with vibrant spices and rich textures. It’s the perfect marriage of smoky Southwestern seasoning and luxurious Alfredo comfort. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

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