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A vibrant plate of creamy Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta featuring golden-brown pasta coated in a rich, spicy sauce with colorful bell peppers, corn, and chopped cilantro, garnished with shredded cheese and a lime wedge on a rustic wooden table.

Creamy Southwest Alfredo Penne Pasta Delight

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A hearty, flavorful pasta dish with a spicy Southwest twist, featuring a creamy Alfredo sauce, colorful vegetables, and tender penne pasta, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bell peppers, corn, and garlic; sauté until vegetables are tender.
  3. Pour in heavy cream, add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce; toss until well coated.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or hot sauce.
  • Best served immediately for a creamy, flavorful experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 510 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg