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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Remove the sautéed peppers and chiles from the pan, setting them aside for later incorporation.
- Pour of water into the same saucepan and bring to a vigorous boil.
- Add penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions.
- During the final minute of pasta cooking, introduce frozen corn kernels to infuse additional flavor and texture.
- Drain the pasta and corn mixture thoroughly, then return them to the original pot.
- Reintroduce the previously sautéed peppers and chiles to the pot.
- Gently fold in cooked chicken pieces, drained black beans, and alfredo sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the mixture, adjusting quantity to personal taste preferences.
- Stir the ingredients until they are completely combined and heated through.
- 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