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Penne pasta and chicken in a creamy sauce with tomato pieces

Southwest Chicken Alfredo with Cheddar

Penne and honey-spiced chicken tossed with tomatoes, cream, and melted cheddar.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 830 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken

  • 1/2 lb penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Seasonings

  • 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

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta and chicken

  • Mix all seven measured seasonings and divide the blend into two equal portions. Toss one portion with the chicken strips and honey; reserve the other for the sauce.
  • Boil the 1/2 pound penne according to its package directions until al dente, then drain.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the strips until browned and the thickest pieces reach 165°F. Turn as they brown and lower the heat if the honey coating darkens rapidly; transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

Make the sauce and finish

  • Add the butter and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the onion is soft, then add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the 15-ounce can of tomatoes with its juices and the reserved half of the spice blend. Add the heavy cream while stirring and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar in small handfuls, stirring each addition smooth. Keep the sauce gently heated rather than boiling.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the chicken, its juices, and drained penne. Sprinkle with the cilantro and divide into 4 portions, with chicken in each.

Notes

  • Refrigerate within 2 hours; use within 3–4 days.
  • Reheat gently to 165°F with a splash of liquid as needed.
Keyword Chicken Alfredo, Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner, Southwest Alfredo