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Southwest Chicken Linguine: A Creamy, Spicy, 30-Minute Weeknight Delight

Craving a dish that perfectly blends creamy comfort with a zesty kick? Look no further than this incredible Southwest Chicken Linguine. This flavorful pasta dish is an absolute game-changer, loaded with tender grilled chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant green onions, all brought together by a lusciously spiced cream sauce. The secret to its distinctive Southwestern flair lies in the star ingredient: Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. What’s even better? This quick and easy chicken pasta recipe is so fast, you can have it on your dinner table in just 30 minutes, making it an instant family favorite for busy weeknights!

Pasta is a staple in many households, including ours, often appearing on the menu at least once a week. It’s one of those universally loved meals that brings everyone to the table. That’s precisely why, when I discover a true winner that’s worthy of becoming a regular in our dinner rotation, I simply have to share it with you! This particular linguine recipe, bursting with its unique Southwestern flavors, captured my heart from the very first bite. The harmonious combination of zesty Rotel tomatoes, savory mushrooms, perfectly grilled chicken, and aromatic onions, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with just the right amount of spice, is pure culinary bliss. It’s a dish that truly makes you swoon!

The Inspiration Behind This Irresistible Southwest Pasta Dish

The journey to discovering this delightful Southwest Chicken Linguine recipe began a few years ago through a recipe share event for Mother’s Day. My wonderful foodie friend, Brandi from Aunt Bee’s Recipes, shared her version, and the ingredient list immediately piqued my interest. While I am an undeniable pasta enthusiast, I often find myself less inclined towards traditionally heavy cream sauces like a classic Alfredo. I tend to prefer something with a bit more zest and a lighter feel. Brandi, knowing my preferences, enthusiastically assured me that I would absolutely adore this recipe, and she was unequivocally right!

She emphasized that this was not a thick, rich, traditional Alfredo sauce, but rather a creamy concoction with a distinct Southwestern personality. Indeed, it strikes a perfect balance: creamy and satisfying, yet surprisingly lighter than a heavy Alfredo. For anyone who might share my less-than-fanatical stance on Alfredo (and sometimes I feel like I’m the only one!), this Southwest Chicken Pasta offers a fantastic alternative. While her original recipe title included “Alfredo,” I chose to highlight the unique Southwestern essence by simply calling it Southwest Chicken Linguine, focusing on the vibrant flavors that make it truly special.

I am genuinely thrilled to have stumbled upon this recipe, and my family shares my excitement. It has seamlessly integrated itself into our weekly meal plan, often making an appearance during Lent as a delightful meatless option simply by omitting the chicken. It’s incredibly versatile and just as delicious without it! However, if you are a dedicated chicken lover, you won’t want to miss my extensive 20+ Family Favorite Chicken Recipes round-up. It’s a comprehensive resource for all sorts of chicken preparations and clever ways to utilize leftover chicken, ensuring no delicious morsel goes to waste.

Key Ingredients for Your Southwest Chicken Linguine Recipe

The beauty of this creamy chicken pasta lies in its straightforward yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this dish so irresistible. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with helpful tips and potential substitutions. The exact measurements and step-by-step instructions are conveniently located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Skinless Chicken Breasts: The foundation of our hearty pasta. Grilling and slicing the chicken yourself offers the best flavor and texture, but for a truly quick chicken dinner, you can easily substitute with about 1.5 pounds of frozen grilled chicken fajita meat or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. My friend Brandi has a fantastic grilled chicken marinade she loves, but when time is of the essence, those pre-cooked freezer options are a lifesaver.

Butter: I typically reach for salted butter, which adds a lovely depth to the sauce. However, unsalted butter works perfectly too; just be sure to adjust the amount of added salt later in the recipe to your taste. Butter provides a rich base for sautéing our aromatics and building the creamy sauce.
Mushrooms: Freshly sliced mushrooms contribute a wonderful umami flavor and a satisfying, meaty texture to the dish. White button mushrooms are a classic choice, but baby bella (cremini) mushrooms would be a fantastic alternative, offering a slightly deeper, more robust flavor profile.
Onion: A large, diced sweet onion is my preference, as it offers a gentle sweetness that beautifully complements the other flavors. Red onion can also be used if you prefer a sharper, more pungent taste, adding a different dimension to this Southwestern pasta recipe.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best for its potent aroma and flavor, making a significant difference in the overall taste of the sauce. If you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic is a convenient substitute, though you might need a touch more to achieve the same intensity.
Diced Tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes, undrained, adds a burst of fresh tomato flavor and crucial liquid to the sauce. Don’t drain them, as that liquid is essential for the consistency and taste.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This is where the magic happens and the “Southwest” truly comes alive! One can of MILD Rotel tomatoes, undrained, provides that characteristic zesty, slightly spicy flavor. You have complete control over the heat level of your spicy chicken linguine by choosing mild, original, or even hot Rotel varieties.
Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings are added to enhance and balance all the wonderful flavors in the sauce. Always taste and adjust to your preference.

Heavy Cream: This ingredient delivers the luxurious richness and silky texture that makes this creamy chicken pasta so indulgent. It binds all the flavors together beautifully, creating a decadent yet balanced sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is incorporated into the sauce for a salty, umami depth and also used for serving. Its nutty flavor is a perfect counterpoint to the Southwestern spices.

Linguine Noodles: The long, flat strands of linguine are ideal for capturing and coating every bit of the creamy sauce. Cook them al dente for the best texture – firm to the bite. If linguine isn’t available, other long, flat pasta shapes like fettuccine would make excellent substitutes.

Green Onions: Sliced green onions are not just for garnish; they add a fresh, mild oniony bite and a beautiful pop of color, making your Southwest chicken alfredo (or linguine!) visually appealing and even more flavorful.

How To Make Southwest Chicken Linguine Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this delicious easy chicken pasta is simpler than you might think, especially since it comes together in just 30 minutes. Follow these easy steps to create a meal that tastes like it took hours!

Start the Sauce Base: In a large, deep skillet, begin by melting the butter over medium-high heat. Allow it to fully melt and just start to shimmer, indicating it’s ready for the vegetables.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onions to the melted butter. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and the onions become translucent, which usually takes about 10 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavors for your sauce.
Infuse with Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for just 1 minute. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the flavor of the sauce.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Carefully add the undrained diced tomatoes, undrained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to warm through.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the fresh Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. This typically takes about 10 more minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon beautifully, but it won’t be as thick as a traditional Alfredo, maintaining its pleasant, lighter consistency.

Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine noodles and cook them according to package directions until they are al dente – firm to the bite. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water if you like for adjusting sauce consistency.
Combine and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are thoroughly coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Top generously with your sliced grilled chicken and a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Love it? Pin it! Save This Southwest Chicken Pasta Recipe!

Don’t let this incredible Southwest Chicken Linguine recipe slip away! Make sure to save it for later by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. It’s the perfect dish to keep in your rotation for those nights when you need a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed meal!

Customizing Your Southwest Chicken Linguine: Substitutions and Variations

This Southwest Chicken Linguine recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or simply experiment with new flavors. Here are some fantastic ways to personalize your creamy pasta dish:

For a delicious and hearty vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken. Instead, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans or crumbled, seasoned tofu during step 7. These additions will provide protein and a satisfying texture, keeping the Southwestern essence intact.
To amplify that signature Southwestern flavor, sprinkle a dash of chili powder over each individual dish just before serving. A pinch of smoked paprika could also add a lovely depth.
Deepen the Mexican-inspired flavors by stirring in a tablespoon or two of your favorite taco seasoning or fajita seasoning along with the tomatoes in step 4. This will infuse the sauce with even more aromatic spices.
While Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, or even a blend of mozzarella would melt beautifully and offer a distinct cheesy twist to your Rotel chicken pasta.
Don’t be afraid to switch up the pasta shape! Penne pasta, bowtie pasta (farfalle), or even a gluten-free pasta option would work splendidly with this rich sauce. Just ensure you cook it according to package directions for the perfect al dente bite.
If you crave an extra kick of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper added with the salt and pepper in step 4 will certainly deliver. Adjust the amount to match your desired spice level.
Transform this Southwest Chicken Linguine into a comforting pasta bake! After combining the pasta and sauce, stir in additional vegetables like diced red bell pepper, corn kernels, or roasted poblano peppers. Transfer to a baking dish, top generously with plenty of shredded cheese (like a Mexican blend), and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Southwest Chicken Pasta

Achieving perfect results with your Southwest Chicken Linguine is easy with these simple tips and tricks:

Meal Prep Ahead: If you often grill chicken for other meals, freeze any leftover chicken in bite-sized pieces. This makes it incredibly convenient to simply thaw and toss into this Southwest chicken pasta whenever you’re ready to make it, saving precious time on busy evenings.
Maximize Speed: For the ultimate time-saving hack, opt for pre-cooked frozen grilled chicken fajita meat. It drastically cuts down on prep time, allowing you to get this delicious meal on the table even faster without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Options: You can serve the sliced grilled chicken on top of the pasta for a more elegant presentation, or cut the chicken pieces smaller and toss them directly into the pasta with the sauce. Both methods are delicious, choose what best suits your preference!
Freezing for Later: This recipe freezes exceptionally well! Once cooled, portion the cooked pasta into single-serving, freezer-safe containers. Thaw and reheat for a convenient and quick homemade meal whenever you need it.

More Southwestern Recipes to Love

If you adore the bold and vibrant flavors of the Southwest, you’re in for a treat! These recipes are sure to become new favorites in your culinary repertoire:

Southwestern Sausage Brunch Roll-Ups: Flaky puff pastry dough encasing savory breakfast sausage links, fluffy scrambled eggs with green chilies, and melty Monterey Jack cheese. They bake up golden brown and are perfect for a special brunch, plus they can be easily made ahead!
Pinto Bean Soup: (pictured above) A hearty bean soup with a distinctive Southwestern flair. You’ll appreciate its satisfying nature and how effortlessly it comes together in the slow cooker, making it a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers: These vibrant, Southwestern-flavored stuffed sweet bell peppers are guaranteed to be a tasty and exciting new addition to your weekly menu plan, offering a fantastic balance of sweet and smoky.
Southwestern Cole Slaw: A refreshing, mayo-free coleslaw with a delightful balance of flavors – a little spicy from jalapeño, subtly smoky from cumin, and a touch of sweetness from honey. It’s a perfect side dish for any Southwestern meal.
Southwest Potato Croquettes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with Southwestern seasoning, then fried to a crispy, golden brown perfection. Served with a spicy cool green chile ranch dip, these croquettes are an ideal appetizer for any gathering.
Southwest Spiced Chicken Wings: Crispy oven-baked chicken wings marinated in a homemade Southwest Seasoning Mix. These flavorful wings are a fantastic addition to any party spread. Serve them with an Avocado Salsa Verde sauce for a cooling contrast!

The Perfect Blend of Creamy and Zesty for Any Palate

The next time you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dinner recipe that truly delivers on flavor and speed, I sincerely hope you give this Southwest Chicken Linguine a try. It masterfully satisfies those who adore a rich, creamy Alfredo-style pasta, while also appealing to those of us who prefer a lighter touch without the heaviness. It’s truly a win-win, no matter your preference. This vibrant, easy chicken pasta dish promises a delicious, satisfying meal that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your family’s rotation.

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Southwest Chicken Linguine on a white plate

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Print Recipe

Southwest Chicken Linguine

This creamy linguine pasta dish is loaded with grilled chicken, mushrooms and green onion. It gets its Southwestern spiciness from the addition of Rotel tomatoes. An instant family favorite!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Course: Pasta |
Cuisine: American |
Keyword: rotel, southwest chicken alfredo, southwest chicken pasta, southwest chicken pasta recipe, southwest chicken recipe, southwest chicken spaghetti

Servings: 8 | Calories: 520kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced. (Alternatively, use about 1.5 pounds of frozen grilled chicken fajita meat)
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
16 ounce sliced fresh mushrooms
1 large onion, diced (sweet onion recommended)
3 – 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can MILD Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
2 teaspoons Salt
2 teaspoons Black Pepper
16 ounces Heavy Cream
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
16 ounce Linguine Noodles, cooked al dente
Green Onions, for garnishing

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
Add the mushrooms and onions and saute until softened, about 10 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add the UNDRAINED tomatoes, UNDRAINED Rotel, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 5 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium, add the cream and Parmesan cheese, and continue cooking until sauce thickens slightly, about 10 more minutes. Stir occasionally.
Meanwhile, prepare linguini noodles according to the package directions.
Toss cooked noodles with prepared sauce.
Top with sliced grilled chicken and lots of green onions.

Notes

Original Recipe from Aunt Bee’s Recipes

Nutrition

This recipe was originally posted on June 14, 2018. It has been updated to improve user experience and re-shared on June 7, 2023.