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To make Southwest Alfredo Pasta, gather these main items: - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or black beans for a vegetarian option) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen) - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color) - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. The fettuccine gives a nice base, while the chicken provides protein. The heavy cream and Parmesan make the sauce smooth and cheesy. You can add these items for extra taste: - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Extra spices like cumin or smoked paprika - Black olives for a briny touch - Avocado slices for creaminess These optional ingredients can jazz up your dish. If you like spice, jalapeños will kick it up. Avocado adds a fresh and smooth texture. If you have specific diets, here are some swaps: - Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine. - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegan dish. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while fitting your needs. You can still enjoy the creamy sauce and bold flavors with these changes. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When ready, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft. Next, stir in 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken or black beans if you prefer a vegetarian dish. Add in 1/2 cup of corn kernels and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and well blended. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like some spice, add sliced jalapeños at this stage. Finally, garnish your dish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Southwest Alfredo Pasta! To make your Southwest Alfredo Pasta pop, try adding fresh lime juice. Just a squeeze brings brightness. You can also add more taco seasoning for a bolder flavor. If you want heat, diced jalapeños are great. Consider using smoked paprika to give a hint of smokiness. For a touch of sweetness, mix in some roasted red peppers. Cook your fettuccine until it is al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and helps it hold sauce better. When sautéing bell peppers, aim for a mix of colors for a pretty dish. Don't rush the cream; let it simmer gently. This helps it thicken and become creamy. Stir the Parmesan in slowly to avoid clumps. This keeps your sauce smooth and velvety. Serve your pasta in large bowls. Top it with fresh cilantro for color and flavor. If you're feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of extra cheese. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with warm tortillas to soak up any sauce. Enjoy a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade alongside your meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and cilantro will enhance the flavor of your dish. Opt for seasonal vegetables when possible. Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding more taco seasoning or fresh jalapeños to suit your taste. Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans and consider using vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter option. Storage Tips: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Southwest Alfredo Pasta. Simply swap the chicken for black beans. Black beans add protein and flavor. You can also add more veggies. Try adding zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients. The creamy sauce still tastes great with these changes. If you love heat, try the spicy version. Add sliced jalapeños to the skillet when cooking the veggies. You can also increase the taco seasoning. For more flavor, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. This will kick up the spice level and make your dish exciting. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free fettuccine. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or corn. The sauce remains the same, so you don’t lose any flavor. Just ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free, including taco seasoning. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal. To store Southwest Alfredo Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors fresh. When you are ready to eat, take the pasta out. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of cream or water. This keeps the pasta moist. Heat it on low, stirring often, until warm. In the microwave, cover it with a paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as described above. Enjoy your flavorful meal later! Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Bow ties, penne, or spaghetti work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose. The key is to cook it until it’s al dente. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy in the sauce. Southwest Alfredo Pasta has a mild kick. The taco seasoning adds flavor without too much heat. If you want more spice, add sliced jalapeños. You can also use spicy taco seasoning to amp up the heat. Adjust it to fit your taste. To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a nut-based cream. Use dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy texture without dairy. Pair it with your favorite protein, like black beans, for a complete meal. In this blog post, we explored how to make Southwest Alfredo Pasta. We covered key and optional ingredients, along with substitutes for dietary needs. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking the pasta and making the sauce. We shared tips for perfecting your dish and variations to try. Lastly, we discussed storage and answered common questions. This dish is simple and fun to make, offering great flavors for everyone. Enjoy creating your own version soon!

Southwest Alfredo Pasta

A creamy and spicy pasta dish with a southwestern twist, featuring chicken or black beans, bell peppers, and corn.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • to garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • optional sliced jalapeños

Instructions
 

  • Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell peppers and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Stir in the shredded chicken (or black beans), corn, and taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  • Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta with the Alfredo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If desired, add sliced jalapeños for extra heat and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with black beans.
Keyword Alfredo, chicken, pasta, southwest, vegetarian