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