Creamy Southwest Noodles Food

CREAMY CHICKEN PASTA

Creamy Chicken Pasta image

Creamy chicken pasta with incredible southwest flavors coming right up! This southwest chicken alfredo dish combines tender penne noodles, succulent seasoned chicken, taco seasoning, tomatoes, green chilies, and plenty of cheese, all tossed in the most amazing creamy sauce.

Provided by Kim

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta (or another favorite pasta variety)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 (10-15 ounce) can diced tomatoes & green chilies
cilantro for garnish

Steps:

Cook pasta until al dente and according to package directions; set aside. Meanwhile, pat chicken dry on both sides with a paper towel. Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the heated pan and cook, turning once, until chicken is completely cooked through (about 5 minutes per side). Remove chicken from skillet, place on plate, and cover with foil.
Add butter to the same skillet the chicken was cooking in and melt over medium heat. Slowly add in the cream, whisking to incorporate all the seasonings and browned bits left behind from cooking the chicken. Whisk constantly and cook for 2 minutes. Add in cheese and diced tomatoes & green chilies; stir until thickened and cheese has melted.
Stir in cooked pasta and reduce heat to low.
Remove chicken from covered plate, slice into strips or chop into small bite-sized pieces, and add on top of pasta. Garnish with cilantro!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 large serving, Calories 613 kcal, Carbohydrate 45 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 38 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, Cholesterol 146 mg, Sodium 289 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g

SOUTHWEST CREAMY PASTA BAKE

Southwest Creamy Pasta Bake image

"I like to cook a package of boneless chicken breasts in the microwave, then dice it up and store in freezer bags. On hectic nights, just pull one out and thaw in the microwave for a real timesaver with quick, tasty recipes like this." Patty Putter - Marion, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

12 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1 can (10 ounces) green enchilada sauce
1 cup chopped green onions
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Drain pasta; stir into chicken mixture. , Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 550 calories, Fat 26g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 109mg cholesterol, Sodium 1103mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

CREAMY NOODLES

Creamy Noodles image

There's lots of garlic flavor in this filling side dish. I like it with grilled chicken but it works wonderfully with nearly any menu.-Brenda Nolen, Folsom, Louisiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked thin spaghetti
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons butter, divided
6 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed
3 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
3 tablespoons fat-free milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
4-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute garlic in 1 tablespoon butter for 1 minute. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, salt, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, pepper and remaining butter. Cook and stir over low heat just until smooth (do not boil). Remove from the heat. , Drain spaghetti; toss with cream sauce. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 234 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 547mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CREAMY SOUTHWEST RANCH PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Creamy Southwest Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe image

This recipe for refreshing and delicious make ahead Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad has lots of Southwest flair like black beans, corn, and bold spices.

Provided by Sommer Collier

Categories Appetizer Salad Side Dish

Time 23m

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 pound small pasta (we used fusilli)
15 ounce black beans (drained)
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
1 red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
½ cup chopped red onion
½ cup chopped cilantro
3 ounce sliced black olives (drained)
1 jalapeno (seeded and diced (optional))
1 cup thick creamy ranch dressing
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper

Steps:

Place a large pot of salted water over high heat. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
Meanwhile chop all necessary ingredients.
Set out a large salad bowl. Add in the cooked pasta, black beans, tomatoes, corn, chopped bell pepper, onion, cilantro, olives, and jalapeno.
In a separate bowl (or measuring pitcher) combine the ranch dressing, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well. Then taste, and salt and pepper to taste.
Mix the dressing into the pasta salad and gently stir until well coated.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. (Allowing the pasta salad ingredients to rest with the dressing longer creates a better overall flavor.)

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 322 kcal, Carbohydrate 45 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Sodium 339 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 3 g