Craving a weeknight dinner that’s both quick to prepare, surprisingly healthy, and bursting with flavor? Look no further! Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta is your answer. This dish takes the creamy comfort of classic Alfredo and kicks it up a notch with the vibrant spices and textures of the Southwest. Seriously, imagine a pasta dish ready in under 30 minutes that actually makes you feel good. As a mom, I’m always looking for those unicorn recipes, and trust me, this is one of them!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, “pasta night” at my house meant a jar of red sauce and some ground beef. Nothing wrong with that, but during a road trip through New Mexico years ago, I had an Alfredo dish infused with green chiles and a hint of lime. The flavors were so unexpected and delightful that I knew I had to recreate something similar. This Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta is my ode to that memorable meal – a perfect blend of comforting pasta and Southwestern zest.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Southwest Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Black beans
- Corn
- Avocado, diced
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Stir in the diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Expert Tips for Best Results
To prevent the Alfredo sauce from being too thick, ensure you are using heavy cream rather than milk or half-and-half. The higher fat content in heavy cream creates a lusciously smooth sauce. Avoid overcooking the sauce after adding the Parmesan cheese; excessive heat can cause it to separate. If the sauce does become too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. Feel free to adjust the amount of green chiles and chili powder to suit your spice preference. Roasting the red bell pepper before dicing, if you have the time, will add another layer of sweetness and complexity to the dish. Don’t skip the fresh lime juice; it brightens up the richness of the Alfredo sauce and complements the Southwestern flavors beautifully. For a vegetarian option, add a can of drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet along with the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your taste and dietary needs. For a heartier meal, top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak. The smoky flavors of the grill pair perfectly with the creamy, spicy sauce. If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, add a scoop of black beans, corn, and diced avocado. These add texture, flavor, and extra nutrients. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cooling element and balances the heat. Consider serving a side salad, such as a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, to complement the richness of the pasta. To garnish, sprinkle a bit more chopped cilantro and a lime wedge on top for an extra pop of freshness and visual appeal. This pasta is also delicious served cold or at room temperature, making it a fantastic option for potlucks and picnics.
Conclusion
Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta is more than just a quick and easy weeknight meal; it’s a flavor-packed experience that brings together the comforting creaminess of Alfredo with the vibrant spices of the Southwest. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking, whether you’re adding grilled protein or keeping it vegetarian with beans and corn. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite, delivering both convenience and a delicious, memorable meal. Embrace the flavors, experiment with the toppings, and enjoy the simplicity of bringing a touch of the Southwest to your kitchen with this delightful pasta creation.
Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Stir in the diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Notes
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