One-Pot Southwest Chicken Pasta – Creamy Tex-Mex Family Dinner

One-Pot Southwest Chicken Pasta is an ultra comforting, flavorful dish loaded with Tex-Mex flair, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This easy one-pot chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken, penne pasta, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a rich, cheesy sauce that your whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or meal prep, this Southwest Chicken Pasta delivers bold flavor, simple cleanup, and creamy satisfaction in every bite. If you’re looking for one-pot pasta recipes, creamy chicken pasta, or easy Tex-Mex dinners, this recipe checks all the boxes and is ready in just 30 minutes.

Introduction

Southwest Chicken Pasta is a one-pot wonder that brings together the best of Tex-Mex comfort food with creamy, cheesy pasta and protein-packed chicken. The combination of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes adds color, texture, and natural sweetness, while taco seasoning infuses the chicken with warm, smoky flavor. With the addition of heavy cream and cheddar cheese, the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy, coating each piece of penne pasta perfectly.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. It comes together in about 30 minutes, uses a single skillet or Dutch oven for the sauce, and requires minimal prep. Plus, it’s highly versatile—you can spice it up with jalapeños, chili powder, or red cayenne, or use leftover chicken for an even faster dinner. This creamy, cheesy, Tex-Mex-inspired pasta is ideal for family meals, potlucks, or when you simply want a satisfying weeknight dinner without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Family-friendly: Mildly spiced, creamy, and cheesy.
• Quick prep and cook: Ready in just 30 minutes.
• Protein-packed: Chicken, beans, and cheese keep it hearty.
• Customizable spice level: Add jalapeños or cayenne to taste.
• Meal prep friendly: Reheats well for lunches or dinner leftovers.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Main Ingredients

• 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel original diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro, optional garnish

Ingredient Notes:

• Pasta: Penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Chicken: Provides tender, seasoned protein.
• Taco seasoning: Adds smoky, Tex-Mex flavor.
• Rotel tomatoes: Mildly spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies. Substitute with plain diced tomatoes if you want no heat.
• Heavy cream: Essential for thick, creamy sauce; do not substitute with low-fat milk.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for richness and flavor.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large Dutch oven or skillet
• Pasta pot
• Garlic press
• Cheese grater
• Cooking thermometer (optional)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta. Boil 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta according to package directions. Add 1–2 teaspoons kosher salt to the water. Drain but do not rinse. Set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken. Cut 1 pound boneless skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons taco seasoning and press seasoning evenly onto the chicken.
3. Cook the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Drain excess moisture if necessary.
4. Cook the aromatics. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Sauté 1 finely diced onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
5. Make the sauce. Stir in 1 can (15 oz) black beans, 1 can (15 oz) corn, 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer 5 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce slightly thickens.
6. Combine pasta and chicken. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
7. Serve. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover chicken: Skip cooking raw chicken. Sauté onions, then add cooked shredded chicken with garlic.
• Make it spicy: Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a spicier Rotel version.
• Cheese variation: Substitute cheddar with pepper jack for extra heat.
• Mild option: Replace Rotel with mild diced tomatoes to reduce spice.
• Green chilies: Add extra canned or fresh chilies for more Tex-Mex flavor.

Flavor Profile

Southwest Chicken Pasta combines creamy, cheesy richness with smoky, savory Tex-Mex notes. Taco-seasoned chicken adds warmth and depth. Sweet corn, black beans, and tomatoes bring freshness and subtle sweetness. The sauce clings to the pasta, creating a satisfying, hearty mouthfeel. Optional cilantro adds herbal brightness, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 478
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 222mg
• Potassium: 662mg
• Vitamin A: 839 IU
• Vitamin C: 8 mg
• Calcium: 157 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy. Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook pasta and chicken in advance; store separately.
• Reheat the sauce gently on the stove before combining with pasta and chicken.
• Garnish with cilantro just before serving for freshness.
• Keeps well in airtight containers for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, sauté onions and garlic first, then add shredded or rotisserie chicken.

How do I thicken the sauce without cream?
Heavy cream is key for a rich sauce. You may use half-and-half but the sauce will be thinner.

Can I make this spicy?
Yes, add chili powder, cayenne, jalapeños, or spicy Rotel.

How can I make this vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and optionally add extra beans or tofu.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	15 minutes	30 minutes	8

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly from the skillet for a family-style meal.
• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for color and brightness.
• Pair with tortilla chips or warm bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Add avocado slices for a creamy, fresh contrast.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Pepper Jack: Use shredded pepper jack instead of cheddar.
2. Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
3. Tex-Mex Bowls: Serve over rice instead of pasta for a hearty twist.
4. Leftover Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a faster meal.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breast

Lean, high-protein base that absorbs taco seasoning beautifully. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and coating in sauce.

Rotel Tomatoes

Adds mild heat, acidity, and color to the dish. Mild, medium, or spicy versions adjust the dish’s heat level.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
• Drain pasta well but do not rinse; this allows the sauce to cling.
• Simmer the sauce just until slightly thickened for creamy texture.
• Stir gently when combining pasta to avoid breaking it.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
• Freezing not recommended due to cream sauce; texture may separate.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	478 kcal
Protein	26g
Carbs	45g
Fat	22g
Fiber	8g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy; can be adapted for gluten-free diets.

Expanded Conclusion

One-Pot Southwest Chicken Pasta is a fast, comforting, and family-friendly Tex-Mex dinner that delivers creamy, cheesy, and flavorful satisfaction with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep, this recipe brings together protein, veggies, and pasta in a single pan for a dish everyone will love. Save this recipe, try it with your favorite cheese and spice adjustments, and let it become a staple in your dinner rotation.

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