Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta is a rich, zesty Southwest-inspired dish made with tender chicken, penne pasta, tomatoes, green chilies, and a creamy cheesy sauce. A quick and comforting 20-minute dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 (10–15 oz) can diced tomatoes & green chilies
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Set aside.
- Season chicken with taco seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until fully cooked. Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add cream, whisking to combine with pan flavors.
- Add cheese and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir until creamy and thick.
- Add cooked pasta and mix until well coated.
- Top with sliced chicken and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.
- Adjust spice level by changing taco seasoning amount.
- Best served fresh but keeps well for 3–4 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mexican, Southwestern