Southwest Chicken Alfredo (Print View)
Creamy Alfredo meets bold Southwest spices with tender chicken and vibrant peppers for a fusion main dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Seasonings
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Vegetables
09 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
10 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
11 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
→ Pasta
13 - 12 oz fettuccine pasta
→ Alfredo Sauce
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
15 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
17 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
18 - 1/2 cup milk
19 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
20 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
21 - 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
22 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Garnish
23 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
24 - Lime wedges
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Cook the fettuccine pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for later use.
02 - In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred. Remove from pan, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil if needed. Sauté red onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove vegetables and set aside.
05 - Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Pour in heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder. Cook until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
07 - Add cooked pasta and reserved vegetables to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen consistency.
08 - Squeeze lime juice over the pasta mixture, then top with sliced chicken.
09 - Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish and serve with extra lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The smoky spice blend on the chicken creates this incredible crust that you'll want to make on repeat
- Creamy Alfredo meets zesty Southwest vibes in a way that feels both indulgent and fresh
02 -
- The sauce will thicken quickly as it cools, so have that pasta water ready to loosen it up
- Chipotle powder packs more punch than you expect, so start with less and taste as you go
03 -
- Cook your pasta one minute less than the package says, since it finishes in the sauce
- The residual heat from the pasta continues cooking the sauce, so remove it from heat early