Zesty One Pot Southwestern Alfredo Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort meets zesty southwestern flair in this incredible one pot southwestern alfredo pasta that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bold, spicy notes for a truly memorable meal.

Weeknight cooking just got a delicious upgrade with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

The rich, velvety sauce coats each pasta strand with remarkable depth and warmth.

Jalapeños, smoky spices, and tender chicken create a mouthwatering symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality excitement straight from your own kitchen.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly and easily this spectacular dish comes together.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Southwestern Alfredo, All in One Pot

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth foundation for sautéing and enhancing flavor depth with its subtle fruity undertones.

• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds substantial texture and delivers southwestern-style protein punch.
• Black Beans: Creamy protein powerhouse that introduces earthy southwestern flavor and additional nutritional density.

• Diced Green Chiles: Adds mild southwestern heat and bright tangy undertone to elevate overall dish complexity.
• Red Pepper: Brings vibrant color, sweet crunch, and fresh vegetable dimension to the pasta.
• Frozen Corn: Introduces sweet kernel bursts and authentic southwestern vegetable character.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers robust southwestern spice blend that transforms ordinary pasta into exciting culinary experience.

• Dry Penne: Classic pasta shape that perfectly captures sauce and holds other ingredients beautifully.
• Jarred Alfredo Sauce: Creamy base that provides rich, smooth foundation for combining all ingredients seamlessly.

The Must-Haves for Your One-Pot Pasta Journey

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking entire dish in one pot, perfect for sautéing and boiling pasta.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing red peppers and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for chopping peppers and cutting chicken into pieces.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring pasta, mixing ingredients, and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate water and ingredient measurements.
• Colander: Used for draining pasta and corn after cooking.
• Serving Plates or Bowls: Required for presenting the final delicious meal.

Cooking Southwestern Alfredo the No-Fuss Way

• Saucepan Warmup

Heat a large saucepan and create a flavor base with olive oil, red pepper, and green chiles. Soften the veggies to release their delicious essence.

• Pasta Foundation

Pour water into the pan and bring to a boil. Add penne pasta and let it cook until almost tender. Toss in frozen corn during the final minute for a sweet surprise.

• Flavor Fusion

Drain the pasta and corn, then return to the pot. Combine with sautéed peppers, chicken, black beans, and creamy alfredo sauce. Sprinkle in taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern twist.

• Final Touch

Plate the pasta and crown it with tantalizing toppings. Dollop sour cream, scatter fresh diced tomatoes, and add jalapeños for those craving an extra spicy kick.

Creative Mix-Ins & Smart Pasta Prep Tips

• Swap chicken with ground beef, shredded turkey, or keep it vegetarian by adding extra black beans or plant-based protein crumbles for a hearty meal.
• Adjust taco seasoning and chile quantities to match your heat tolerance. Use mild green chiles for gentler flavor or add hot sauce for extra zing.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco on top for an extra cheesy southwestern twist that melts beautifully into the creamy alfredo sauce.
• Prep ingredients in advance and store separately. The pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
• Toss in additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to increase nutrition and add more color to your one-pot wonder.

How to Serve This Cheesy Southwestern Favorite

• Southwestern Fiesta Feast: Top the pasta with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch and authentic southwestern flair.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled shrimp or blackened chicken on top to transform this pasta into a more substantial meal that satisfies serious hunger.
• Cool and Creamy Contrast: Serve with a side of chilled avocado-lime crema to balance the warm, spicy flavors of the main dish and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Garnish with crumbled queso fresco or sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the creamy texture and add another layer of southwestern-inspired flavor.

Make-Ahead Notes & Storage Pointers for Pasta Lovers

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up double the recipe on weekends and store extra portions for quick weeknight dinners that save time and reduce cooking stress.
• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta's texture and flavors intact without losing quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Separate portions into individual meal containers before freezing, allowing easy thawing and reheating without compromising taste or texture.
• Flavor Refresh Technique: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency and prevent the pasta from drying out, ensuring each bite tastes just as delicious as the first serving.

Creamy Southwestern Alfredo Pasta

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Simmering comfort meets southwestern flair in this one pot southwestern alfredo pasta recipe, blending creamy textures with bold spices. Hearty ingredients merge seamlessly, promising you a quick, satisfying meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 14 oz (397 g) jarred alfredo sauce
• 2 cups dry penne
• 3.4 oz (96 g) can of diced green chiles
• 1 cup frozen corn or corn from 2 ears
• 1 red pepper (diced)
• 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 2 cups cooked chicken

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Instructions

1. Pepper Preparation: Sauté red peppers and green chiles in olive oil over medium heat until tender and slightly translucent, then set aside.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil water and cook penne pasta, adding frozen corn during the final minute of cooking to enhance flavor and texture.
3. Combine Components: Drain pasta and corn, then return to the pot and reintroduce sautéed peppers and chiles.
4. Final Assembly: Fold in cooked chicken, drained black beans, and alfredo sauce, sprinkling taco seasoning to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Serving: Heat the mixture thoroughly, then plate and top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and optional sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Notes

• Optimize Pepper Preparation: Sauté red peppers and green chiles until they’re slightly translucent for a more robust, caramelized flavor profile that enhances the overall dish’s depth.
• Corn Timing Matters: Add frozen corn during the last minute of pasta cooking to maintain its crisp texture and prevent overcooking, ensuring a fresh, sweet crunch in every bite.
• Seasoning Strategy: Adjust taco seasoning carefully; start with a small amount and taste progressively to control the spice level and prevent overpowering the creamy alfredo base.
• Garnish for Impact: Use fresh garnishes like diced tomatoes and jalapeños strategically to add brightness, acidity, and an extra layer of flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg