Description
Southwest Penne Pasta is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines creamy goodness with a kick of spice. This quick and easy recipe features perfectly cooked penne enveloped in a rich sauce, complemented by fresh vegetables and zesty jalapeños. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this dish promises to impress without keeping you in the kitchen for hours. With its colorful ingredients and customizable options, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 jalapeño, diced (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta by boiling salted water and cooking penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil until golden. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Incorporate red bell pepper and jalapeños; cook until softened.
- Lower heat, mix in cream cheese until melted. Gradually stir in black beans; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Combine cooked penne with the veggie mixture, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Serve hot, topped with cheddar cheese and cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg