Skip to main content

santa fe pasta recipe.

 

🌶️ Santa Fe Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Spicy & Packed with Flavor!

Craving a zesty pasta dish that’s bursting with bold Southwestern flavors? This Santa Fe Pasta recipe is your new go-to! Loaded with juicy chicken, smoky spices, fresh veggies, and a creamy cheesy sauce, it’s a restaurant-style meal you can whip up at home in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a flavorful pasta for guests, this easy Santa Fe chicken pasta has got you covered. Bonus: It’s customizable, satisfying, and super family-friendly!

🧀 Why You'll Love This Santa Fe Pasta

  • 🌶️ Spicy, smoky, and creamy in every bite
  • 🍝 One-pot comfort food – less mess, more flavor
  • 🥘 Simple ingredients, bold results
  • 🍗 Protein-packed with chicken, cheese, and black beans
  • 🌽 Southwestern twist on classic creamy 

 Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 250g penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Jalapeño slices (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving

👩‍🍳 How to Make Santa Fe Pasta – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add diced chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, sauté garlic, bell pepper, and corn for 2–3 minutes. Add black beans and stir for another minute.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat. Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything until fully coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Top with cilantro, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot!

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Santa Fe Pasta

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut
  • Add diced tomatoes or green chilies for extra flavor
  • Want it spicy? Go bold with chipotle peppers or hot sauce
  • Great with gluten-free pasta or vegetarian with chickpeas instead of chicken

🥡 Storing & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

📋 Santa Fe Pasta Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Southwestern / Tex-Mex
Diet: High protein

Ingredients:

  • 250g penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Salt, pepper, lime, cilantro to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta, drain, and set aside.
  2. Sauté chicken with spices until cooked. Remove.
  3. Cook garlic, bell pepper, corn, and beans.
  4. Stir in cream, broth, and cheese until creamy.
  5. Combine pasta and chicken. Mix well.
  6. Garnish and serve hot with lime wedges.

📌 Final Thoughts

This Santa Fe pasta recipe is the ultimate fusion of comfort food and bold Southwestern flavor. It’s quick, easy, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder perfect for weeknights!

Craving more Tex-Mex inspired meals? Try my Creamy Southwest Chicken Skillet or Chipotle Chicken Tacos!



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

spicy salmon sushi bites.

                    🍣 Crispy Rice Sushi Bites Recipe – Viral Sushi Appetizer You’ll Crave! 📌 Why You’ll Love These Crispy Sushi Bites These crispy rice sushi bites are the perfect blend of textures: golden fried sushi rice topped with creamy, spicy tuna or fresh avocado. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving sushi night at home, this viral appetizer is fun, fancy, and surprisingly easy! 📝 Ingredients (Makes 12–15 bites) For the crispy rice: 2 cups cooked sushi rice (short-grain, cooled) 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp sugar Pinch of salt Neutral oil (for frying) For the spicy tuna topping: 150g sashimi-grade tuna, finely chopped 2 tbsp mayo 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste) 1 tsp soy sauce ½ tsp sesame oil Optional toppings: Thin avocado slices Jalapeño rounds Black sesame seeds Chopped green onions Soy sauce for dipping 🍳 Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice Mix the cooled rice with rice vinega...
Post a Comment
Read more

albondigas recipe

  🧆 Spanish Meatballs Recipe (Albóndigas) | Savory Tapas Classic Craving juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce? These Spanish Albóndigas are a classic tapas dish, packed with bold spices, fresh herbs, and rustic charm. Served with crusty bread or rice, they make the perfect party bite, appetizer, or cozy family dinner. 📝 Ingredients For the Meatballs: 500g ground beef (or half beef, half pork) 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp cumin Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil for frying For the Tomato Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp sugar (to balance acidity) Salt and pepper to taste Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine or water 🍳 Instructions Step 1: Make the Meatballs In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

raspberry almond cake recipe

  🍰 Raspberry Almond Tea Cake – Elegant, Moist & Perfect for Any Occasion Looking for a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? This Raspberry Almond Tea Cake is a soft, buttery delight with a subtle almond flavor, studded with juicy raspberries and topped with sliced almonds. It’s the perfect treat for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, or a light dessert. Whether you're celebrating a special moment or just enjoying a quiet cup of tea, this simple yet elegant cake brings bakery-quality flavor to your home kitchen. ✅ Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Almond Cake 🍓 Naturally sweet and fruity 🌰 Warm almond aroma and flavor 🧁 Light, fluffy, and moist texture ☕ Pairs beautifully with tea or coffee 🕒 Bakes in under 40 minutes with simple  🍓 Ingredients You’ll Need 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 tsp almond extract 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (50g) almond fl...
Post a Comment
Read more