Quick & Zesty One Pot Southwestern Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Southwest-infused alfredo pasta represents a delightful culinary fusion that revolutionizes traditional creamy comfort into a zesty, mouthwatering experience.

Robust spices dance alongside velvety sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that tantalize taste buds.

Imagine savory ingredients melding together in a single pot, releasing aromatic hints of warmth and complexity.

This innovative dish breaks through conventional pasta preparation methods, offering a streamlined cooking approach that maximizes flavor and minimizes cleanup.

Bold southwestern seasonings elevate the classic alfredo smooth profile, introducing a vibrant twist that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Rich and satisfying, the pasta promises a quick and impressive meal that feels both indulgent and sophisticated.

Home cooks seeking a memorable dinner solution will appreciate this clever, One-pot wonder.

Sides and Toppings That Pair Perfectly with This Dish

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Craft a tangy margarita using fresh lime juice, tequila, and a hint of agave nectar to complement the spicy southwestern flavors of the pasta.
• Match with Crisp Amber Ale: Choose a smooth amber ale with subtle caramel notes that will balance the creamy alfredo and enhance the dish's southwestern spices.
• Top with Fresh Cilantro Salsa: Prepare a quick salsa with diced tomatoes, red onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to add bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Serve Alongside Crisp Coleslaw: Whip up a light, tangy coleslaw with a lime-based dressing to cut through the richness of the alfredo and provide a refreshing side dish.

Fun Add-Ins to Switch Up the Flavor Profile

• Spicy Southwestern Comfort: Transform the recipe by using spicy chorizo instead of chicken, adding a rich, smoky flavor that complements the alfredo sauce and southwestern ingredients.
• Vegetarian Southwest Dream: Replace chicken with roasted sweet potatoes or black bean crumbles, creating a hearty plant-based version that maintains the robust southwestern profile.
• Seafood Fiesta Fusion: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or white fish, introducing a lighter protein that pairs beautifully with the creamy alfredo and zesty southwestern seasonings.
• Green Chile Chicken Upgrade: Increase the green chile quantity and incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor complexity and easier preparation.

Why Southwestern Alfredo Pasta Is a Flavor Bomb

• Speedy One-Pot Wonder: This recipe delivers a complete meal in just one saucepan, minimizing cleanup and saving precious time for busy home cooks.
• Southwest Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold ingredients like green chiles, taco seasoning, and black beans, this pasta dish brings zesty Southwestern flair to a classic creamy Alfredo base.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with chicken and black beans, this meal offers a substantial 30 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and nutritionally balanced dinner option that keeps you full and energized.

Ingredients That Blend Creamy Alfredo with Tex-Mex Flair

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the pasta dish.
• Black Beans: Hearty legume providing additional protein and southwestern style.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and creates satisfying texture.
• Red Pepper: Adds sweet and vibrant color to the dish.
• Green Chiles: Introduces mild heat and authentic southwestern flavor.
• Frozen Corn: Sweet kernel vegetable that brings fresh taste and additional texture.

• Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating initial flavor base.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that provides rich and smooth coating for pasta.
• Taco Seasoning: Southwestern spice blend that enhances overall dish flavor profile.

• Sour Cream: Cool and tangy topping that balances spicy elements.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh ingredient that adds brightness and acidity.
• Jalapeños: Spicy pepper for those wanting extra heat.

How to Cook This One-Pot Wonder in Just Minutes

Step 1: Prepare The Vegetables

• Diced red pepper
• Green chiles

Cook until peppers soften, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook.

Step 3: Add Corn

One minute before pasta finishes cooking, add frozen corn for extra flavor.

Step 4: Drain Pasta

Drain the cooked pasta and corn, then return to the pot.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Sautéed peppers and chiles
• Chicken pieces
• Black beans
• Alfredo sauce (jar or homemade)

Step 6: Season The Dish

Incorporate taco seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeños (optional)

Serve hot and enjoy your southwestern twist on classic alfredo pasta!

Tips for Balancing Spice, Cream, and Texture

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast the taco seasoning in the pan for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to release its full aromatic potential.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Stir pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even water absorption for consistently tender noodles.
• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by selecting mild or hot taco seasoning, or add additional chile peppers for more intense southwestern flair.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Use room temperature alfredo sauce and stir continuously when combining to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Boost Protein Options: Substitute chicken with ground beef, shredded turkey, or plant-based protein crumbles for varied meal preferences.

How to Store This Pasta Without It Getting Mushy

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and seal tightly. Refrigerated meals will stay fresh for 3-4 days when kept at or below 40°F. Keep the container towards the back of the refrigerator where temperatures remain most consistent.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish and sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute warmth evenly. Continue until pasta reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Skillet Reviving: Pour pasta into a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra alfredo sauce to restore moisture.

One Pot Southwestern Alfredo Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southwestern Alfredo Pasta brings spicy Mexican charm to classic Italian comfort. Creamy parmesan sauce mingles with zesty chili peppers, creating a bold fusion dish that satisfies hearty appetites in just one pot.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)

Vegetables and Corn:

• 1 red pepper (diced)
• 1 cup frozen corn or corn from 2 ears
• 3.4 ounces (96 grams) can of diced green chiles

Pasta and Sauce:

• 2 cups dry penne
• 14 ounces (397 grams) jarred alfredo sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat, drizzle of olive oil, and sauté diced red peppers and green chiles until peppers become tender and slightly translucent.
2. Remove the sautéed peppers and chiles from the pan, setting them aside for later incorporation.
3. Pour of water into the same saucepan and bring to a vigorous boil.
4. Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions.
5. During the final minute of pasta cooking, introduce frozen corn kernels to infuse additional flavor and texture.
6. Drain the pasta and corn mixture thoroughly, then return them to the original pot.
7. Reintroduce the previously sautéed peppers and chiles to the pot.
8. Gently fold in cooked chicken pieces, drained black beans, and alfredo sauce, ensuring even distribution.
9. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the mixture, adjusting quantity to personal taste preferences.
10. Stir the ingredients until they are completely combined and heated through.
11. Transfer the pasta to serving dishes and garnish with dollops of sour cream, freshly diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for those desiring extra zest.

Notes

• Prep this zesty pasta quickly in just one pot, saving you time and cleanup.
• Swap jarred alfredo for homemade sauce if you’re feeling adventurous and want deeper flavor profiles.
• Balance heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning and jalapeño quantities to match your spice tolerance.
• Frozen corn adds unexpected sweetness and texture that complements the creamy southwestern elements.
• Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels like a flavor explosion in every bite.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg