Southwestern Skillet Pasta

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors, this Southwestern Skillet Pasta is a one-pan wonder that combines hearty penne pasta with a vibrant medley of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Infused with aromatic spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, this dish delivers a perfect balance of smoky heat and creamy comfort, thanks to a luscious blend of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese. Quick to make in just 40 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser ideal for busy weeknights. Garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions, this colorful and satisfying meal is a must-try for pasta lovers seeking a Southwestern twist. Perfect as a family dinner or a shareable dish, this hearty skillet recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 40 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

18 items

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

📝 Instructions

10 steps

1. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.

3. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.

5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

7. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a creamy sauce.

8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

9. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro before serving.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your Southwestern Skillet Pasta!

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (597.1g)

Calories		565
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		28.1 g	36%
	Saturated Fat	13.1 g	66%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		63 mg	21%
Sodium		1428 mg	62%
Total Carbohydrate		59.1 g	21%
	Dietary Fiber	10.2 g	36%
	Total Sugars	10.2 g
Protein		20.3 g	41%
Vitamin D		0.1 mcg	1%
Calcium		270 mg	21%
Iron		3.6 mg	20%
Potassium		739 mg	16%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1008 cal (44.3%%)

Protein: 325 cal (14.3%%)

Carbs: 942 cal (41.4%%)