Name: Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwestern American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb. Penne Pasta; 1 lb. Chicken Breasts (cut into 1″ strips); 1 tbsp Honey; 1 1/2 tsp Chili Powder; 1/2 tsp Cumin; 1/2 tsp Oregano; 1 tsp Paprika; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/8 tsp Cayenne; 1 (15 oz.) can Diced Tomatoes; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded); 1 cup Onion (chopped); 4 Garlic Cloves (minced); 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tbsp Butter; 2 tbsp Cilantro (chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 1 review

I absolutely love sharing this Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe because it combines creamy, cheesy comfort with bold southwestern flavors that feel like a fiesta on your plate. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet balanced, merging tender chicken, smoky spices, and just the right amount of heat with smooth alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked penne. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a standout favorite in my kitchen for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever I want to treat myself and others to something special.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe

What really gets me excited about this Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe is how all the flavors come together with such a lively punch! The blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, and a hint of cayenne peppers up the classic creamy alfredo, making every bite so vibrant and satisfying. I love how the honey adds a subtle sweetness to balance the spices, and the shredded cheddar adds a sharp twist that melts perfectly into the sauce. It’s like all my favorite comfort food elements got a twist that keeps you interested and craving the next bite.

Another thing I appreciate is how straightforward the preparation is. It comes together in about 30 minutes, which makes it perfectly doable even on busy nights. The step-by-step cooking process lets the ingredients shine individually before they meld into a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s also a real crowd-pleaser—whether I’m serving it to family, friends, or just for a cozy solo dinner, it always makes the meal feel a bit more special without needing complicated techniques or rare ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of various ingredients set on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with uncooked penne pasta, its smooth yellow tubes layered evenly. Below it, a larger bowl holds pale pink chunks of raw chicken. To the right of the chicken, a white bowl contains several light yellow butter slices neatly placed on top of each other. Near the butter, there is a shallow white container holding a light golden broth. To the left of the pasta, a white bowl is filled with four pieces of white cream cheese. Above the cream cheese, a transparent glass jug holds white cream. Above the pasta bowl to the right, a small white bowl contains finely chopped green herbs. Next to it, a small brown bowl holds a pile of shredded white cheese. Below the shredded cheese, a small white bowl contains minced garlic. A tiny white bowl with mixed black and white pepper sits near the broth. Another small brown bowl with a dark liquid is placed near the cream jug. All items are arranged neatly with clear space between the bowls, creating a clean and organized look photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential to crafting the vibrant yet creamy flavors that define this dish. Each component adds something unique, whether it’s texture, taste, or color, creating a balanced and enticing Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe.

Penne Pasta: It holds the sauce beautifully, offering the perfect bite-sized texture.
Chicken Breasts: Tender strips that soak up the southwestern seasoning and add protein.
Diced Tomatoes: Bring juiciness and a fresh burst to the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: Essential for that rich, velvety alfredo base.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and melty goodness to the sauce.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic Cloves: A must-have for aromatic warmth.
Honey: Balances the heat with a subtle sweetness.
Olive Oil and Butter: For sauting and adding richness.
Cilantro: Fresh and vibrant, perfect as a finishing touch.
Southwestern Spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne): The heart of the flavor profile, giving the dish its signature southwestern kick.

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne to create your homemade southwestern seasoning blend.

Step 2: Place the chicken strips in a large bowl, drizzle over the honey and half of the seasoning blend, and toss everything until the chicken is evenly coated. This step ensures the chicken absorbs those bold flavors upfront.

Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente – usually around 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, ready to soak up the sauce later.

Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Then transfer the chicken strips to a plate and keep the skillet handy.

Step 5: Using the same skillet, add chopped onion and butter over medium heat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for just another minute to release its aroma.

Step 6: Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet with the remaining seasoning blend. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring continuously to blend the sauce smoothly. Let it simmer on low heat until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes, then return the chicken to the skillet.

Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce and stir gently to let it melt into a luscious, gooey finish.

Step 9: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything carefully to make sure every piece is coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 10: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes. Then, give it one last stir, scatter chopped cilantro on top, and dive in!

Servings and Timing

This Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe generously serves four people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering of friends. Prep time takes about 10 minutes to chop, mix, and get everything ready. The main cooking only requires around 20 minutes, leading to a total cooking time of 30 minutes. There’s just a brief resting time after cooking the pasta and sauce together, which helps the flavors lock in and the sauce thicken beautifully before serving.

How to Serve This Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe

A white pot filled with cooked penne pasta mixed with small pieces of orange-colored chicken in a creamy orange sauce, topped with chopped green herbs evenly spread over the dish. There are small chunks of red tomato and bits of yellow pepper mixed throughout the pasta and sauce. A dark blue spoon rests inside the pot on the left side. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface over a light blue cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I love pairing it with a light green salad dressed with a tangy lime vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the alfredo. Crunchy roasted veggies like asparagus or bell peppers on the side also add wonderful texture and freshness. For an extra touch, I sometimes offer warm, crusty bread to help soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Presentation-wise, I like to serve the pasta straight from the skillet or dish it onto warm plates, garnishing it with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder or paprika for a pop of color. A wedge of lime on the side can add a zesty brightness if anyone wants it. The dish is best enjoyed hot or warm, right after cooking, to appreciate the creamy texture at its peak.

As for drinks, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly chilled Mexican lager really complements the southwestern spices nicely. For non-alcoholic options, I love homemade iced teas or sparkling water with a wedge of citrus to keep the palate refreshed. This meal works wonderfully for casual weeknight dinners or impressing guests during a cozy weekend lunch. The comforting yet bold flavors always spark happy conversation around the table.

Variations

This Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. For example, substituting the chicken breasts with shrimp makes a fantastic seafood version that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and spices.

If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free version, swapping the heavy cream for coconut milk and using a vegan cheddar cheese substitute transforms the dish into a vegan-friendly meal without losing any of its charm. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to taste since coconut milk can add a slight sweetness.

Another fun variation is to elevate the smoky notes by adding grilled poblano peppers or swapping the penne pasta for a roasted vegetable medley to keep it low-carb. You can also experiment with cooking the chicken on a grill pan for added char and smokiness that really enhances the southwestern vibe.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in airtight containers to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender. Refrigerate the portions within two hours of cooking, and consume them within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and safety. Using glass containers can help preserve flavor better than plastic.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though I personally prefer fresh because the cream sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, place the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. Frozen Southwest Chicken Alfredo will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I recommend warming the pasta slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream as it warms to help restore the creamy texture and prevent the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can make the sauce separate or the chicken rubbery. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds sauce well, you can substitute with farfalle, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?

The recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder and cayenne, but you can easily reduce or increase the spice by adjusting those seasonings. For a milder version, cut back on cayenne or omit it altogether.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap regular penne for a gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy modification.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and refrigerate separately from the pasta. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce and chicken, then toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese? What’s a good substitute?

If cheddar isn’t available, a mild Monterey Jack or even mozzarella can work in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that delights every time I make it. The combination of creamy, cheesy sauce with bright, spicy southwestern flavors never fails to impress. It’s approachable, quick, and a joyful way to bring a little southwestern magic to your dinner table. Trust me, once you taste it, it will become one of your go-to favorites too!