Southwest Chicken Alfredo (Printable Version)
Creamy Alfredo meets Southwest spices with tender seasoned chicken and colorful peppers.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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
# How to Make:
01 - Prepare fettuccine in salted boiling water following package directions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid, and set aside.
02 - Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Coat both sides of chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked with golden char marks. Transfer to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
04 - In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if the pan looks dry. Cook red onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Remove from skillet and set aside.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
06 - Pour in heavy cream and milk, bringing to a gentle simmer while whisking occasionally. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
07 - Add cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables to the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat. If sauce appears too thick, incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
08 - Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pasta mixture and arrange sliced chicken on top. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve accompanied by extra lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The smoky chipotle and bright lime cut through the richness of the cream sauce in the most irresistible way
- Its the perfect compromise dinner for friends who can never agree between Italian or Mexican food
02 -
- Do not skip the lime juice it is absolutely crucial for cutting through the rich cream sauce
- The pasta water is your secret weapon if the sauce becomes too thick after tossing
03 -
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before cooking for more uniform results
- Grate your own Parmesan fresh from the block for the smoothest sauce texture