Go Back
Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta

Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta

Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines creamy Alfredo with the vibrant spices of the Southwest. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a family-friendly and customizable meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Southwestern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 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
  • taste Salt
  • taste pepper

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
  4. Stir in the diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
  5. Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Notes

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.