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Creamy Southwest Chicken Pasta

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken
  • 2 cups cooked pasta
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 can black beans (drained)
  • 1 bell pepper (diced)
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk or cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prep everything first
    Cut the chicken, dice your veggies, measure spices.
    It sounds obvious—but doing this upfront makes the whole process feel calmer. Less scrambling, more cooking.
  2. Step 2: Cook the chicken
    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Add chicken + seasoning:
    Cook 5–7 minutes
    Let it get a little golden (don’t rush this part)
    That slight browning? That’s where flavor builds.
    Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Build your flavor base
    In the same pan:
    Add garlic and bell peppers
    Cook for 2–3 minutes
    You’ll start to smell that warm, slightly smoky aroma. That’s your cue—it’s working.
  4. Step 4: Make the creamy sauce
    Add:
    Chicken broth
    Cream cheese
    Stir until smooth. It might look a bit messy at first—totally normal.
    Then add:
    Milk or cream
    Seasonings
    Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Bring it all together
    Add:
    Cooked pasta
    Chicken
    Corn
    Black beans
    Stir until everything is coated in that creamy sauce.
    Then add cheese slowly, letting it melt as you go.
  6. Step 6: Final touches
    Taste. Adjust.
    Add salt if needed
    Squeeze a little lime juice
    Toss in cilantro
    That small hit of acidity? It makes everything pop.