Name: Southwest Chicken Alfredo – Easy Recipes With Rotisserie Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded; 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper; 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional); Juice of 1/2 lime

Jump to Recipe

Ever had one of those nights when you peek into the fridge, spot that leftover rotisserie chicken, and think, ‘What now?’ Yeah, me too. That’s how this Southwest Chicken Alfredo was born. It’s creamy, it’s zesty, and it’s exactly the kind of weeknight comfort food that doesn’t judge you for wearing pajamas at 6 p.m. We’re mixing bold flavors—like smoky paprika, garlic, and sweet bell peppers—with a dreamy Alfredo sauce that comes together in one pan. And no, you don’t need to be a chef or even fully awake to make this. It’s just simple, flavor-packed cooking. Add some pasta, and suddenly you’ve got a dinner that looks like it took effort (but didn’t). This is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. It’s perfect for busy nights, hungry families, or even that one friend who always “just happens” to drop by at dinner. Let’s get cooking—pajamas and all.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe
3) Ingredients for Southwest Chicken Alfredo
4) How to Make Southwest Chicken Alfredo
5) Tips for Making Southwest Chicken Alfredo
6) Making Southwest Chicken Alfredo Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Southwest Chicken Alfredo
8) Try these dinners next!
9) Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick weeknight dinner using leftover rotisserie chicken
Creamy Alfredo sauce meets bold Southwest spices
Perfect for pasta lovers who want a kick of flavor
Easy to prep, easier to devour

2) Easy Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Some days call for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, and this easy Southwest Chicken Alfredo recipe is just that. It’s where creamy comfort meets a dash of bold Southwest flavor, all with the help of something you probably already have in your fridge: rotisserie chicken.

This dish is one of my go-to weeknight meals when I need dinner fast and don’t want to compromise on flavor. The creaminess of Alfredo sauce combined with chili powder and smoked paprika just works. It’s rich but not heavy, spicy but not overwhelming. And the fact that it all comes together in one pan makes it even better.

If you’ve got 30 minutes and a craving for something warm and satisfying, this easy recipe with rotisserie chicken is ready to answer the call. Throw on some comfy pants, grab a spoon, and let’s talk pasta.

3) Ingredients for Southwest Chicken Alfredo

Rotisserie Chicken: It’s the weeknight MVP. I love shredding up the meat and tossing it right into the pan. It’s juicy, flavorful, and saves loads of prep time.

Pasta: Fettuccine works great here, but penne or rotini would hold the sauce just as well. Cook it to al dente so it doesn’t go mushy in the sauce.

Olive Oil: A splash of this gets your veggies sautéing nicely. Adds a little richness too.

Red and Green Bell Peppers: I love the pop of color and the sweetness they bring. Plus, they help balance the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce.

Onion: Adds depth and savory goodness. Cook it down until soft and golden for the best flavor.

Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic. It makes the kitchen smell amazing, and adds a punch of flavor.

Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: These spices are what bring the Southwest twist. They turn a simple Alfredo into something way more exciting.

Salt and Pepper: Just enough to balance the flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust as you go.

Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce silky. Use the real stuff—it’s worth it.

Parmesan Cheese: Stir it in at the end to melt into the sauce. It adds saltiness and body.

Lime Juice: Just a squeeze at the end brightens everything up and balances the richness.

Fresh Cilantro: Totally optional, but if you love it, it gives a fresh, herbal finish that complements the spices.

4) How to Make Southwest Chicken Alfredo

Step 1. Boil a big pot of salted water. Toss in your pasta and cook it until al dente. Drain it, set it aside, and try not to eat half of it straight from the pot.

Step 2. Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook them until they’re soft and slightly charred, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pan. Stir it all around for a minute until it smells like something magical is happening.

Step 4. Toss in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Give it a good stir so it soaks up those spices.

Step 5. Pour in the cream and let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan and keep stirring until the sauce thickens a bit. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6. Add the cooked pasta and lime juice. Toss everything together until well coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle cilantro on top and serve it up hot with extra cheese.

5) Tips for Making Southwest Chicken Alfredo

If you’re using rotisserie chicken, warm it slightly before adding it to the pan. That way, it doesn’t cool the sauce down too much and blends more smoothly.

Always use fresh garlic instead of the pre-minced stuff from a jar. The flavor difference is worth the small extra effort. It gives the Alfredo sauce a fuller flavor base.

Want it spicier? Add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or a pinch of cayenne with the spices. Like it cheesier? Sprinkle more Parmesan on top when serving. This is your meal—make it how you love it.

6) Making Southwest Chicken Alfredo Ahead of Time

If you like to prep meals ahead, this pasta works well. Just don’t add the lime or cilantro until you’re ready to serve—it keeps the flavors fresher.

When reheating, splash a bit of cream or milk into the pan to loosen the sauce again. Stir often, and warm it on low so it doesn’t separate.

You can even prep the veggies ahead and keep them in the fridge until ready to cook. That way, dinner comes together in no time.

7) Storing Leftover Southwest Chicken Alfredo

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container so the pasta doesn’t dry out.

Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, and add a spoon of cream or a bit of milk to bring the sauce back to life.

This recipe also freezes decently, though the texture of the sauce changes a little. It’s still delicious, though, especially on busy nights.

8) Try these dinners next!

9) Southwest Chicken Alfredo Recipe