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To truly appreciate the Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta Skillet, it's essential to delve into the distinctive flavor profile of Southwestern cuisine. This culinary style is characterized by its bold spices, fresh ingredients, and a vibrant combination of textures and flavors. Key ingredients like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder provide the foundation, infusing the dish with warmth and depth.

Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta Skillet

Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner idea? Try this Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta Skillet! This one-pan meal combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and al dente pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. Packed with bold Southwestern flavors like cumin and smoked paprika, it's a feast for the taste buds and easy to clean up. Perfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Embrace the joy of flavorful cooking!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, allowing the spices to toast slightly for about 30 seconds.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the corn, black beans, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir until the vegetables are well combined with the spices.

            Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and combined. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and mix until everything is well coated.

              Combine with Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

                Serve: Remove from heat and top with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings