Southwest Barbecue Chicken Pasta
Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this Southwest Barbecue Chicken Pasta, a bold and flavorful fusion of smoky spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce. Perfectly al dente penne is tossed in a luscious blend of barbecue sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar, while sautéed bell peppers and red onion add a pop of fresh sweetness. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts, seared to perfection, crown this hearty dish, and a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime bring a bright finish. With just 45 minutes from start to table, this recipe is a quick and satisfying option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Perfect for anyone craving a spicy, tangy twist on classic comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Reduce the heat to low and add cream cheese, heavy cream, barbecue sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
Top the pasta with the sliced barbecue chicken and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3670 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.6 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.6 g | 393% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 536 mg | 178% | |
| Sodium | 6505 mg | 283% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 407.8 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.8 g | 92% | |
| Total Sugars | 108.5 g | ||
| Protein | 147.4 g | 295% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1133 mg | 87% | |
| Iron | 21.4 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 2895 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
