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A close-up of a white plate filled with creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, mixed with corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes.

Zesty Southwest Chicken Pasta

This vibrant Southwest Chicken Pasta features tender, seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, smoky sauce packed with corn, black beans, and bell peppers. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • water for cooking pasta
  • salt for pasta water
For the Sauce & Vegetables
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn, thawed)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream full-fat or light
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar-jack blend
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
  • 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
  1. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Make the Sauce & Combine
  1. In the same large skillet (no need to clean it), add another 1 tbsp olive oil if needed. Add the diced red onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the black beans and corn. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to heat through.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheese, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
  6. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh cilantro and a lime wedge if desired.

Notes

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to your preference. For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced zucchini or fire-roasted tomatoes. You can also use different cheeses such as Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.