Senora Chicken and Pasta
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: One Dish Meal
Servings: 4
Description
Discover the perfect blend of creamy and savory with this Senora Chicken and Pasta recipe from Love With Recipes. It’s a delightful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a velvety cheese sauce, all topped with fresh veggies and a burst of Southwestern flavors. Ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 6 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta and Chicken:
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Dice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
- Gradually mix in the hot water, chicken stock, and half-and-half. Stir continuously to combine and avoid lumps.
- Continue cooking over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Season the sauce with salt to taste, white sugar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Ensure the sauce does not come to a boil to prevent curdling.
- Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
- Blend in the salsa and sour cream, mixing thoroughly. The sauce should be creamy and smooth. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the prepared cheese sauce. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Layer the diced chicken and black beans on top of the cheesy pasta.
- Sprinkle the diced tomatoes and chopped green onions over the top for added freshness and flavor.
4. Serve:
- Serve the Senora Chicken and Pasta immediately while hot, making sure each serving gets a good amount of the creamy sauce and toppings.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 893.3
- Fat: 45.4g
- Saturated Fat: 24.1g
- Cholesterol: 141.1mg
- Sodium: 952.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 93.5g
- Fiber: 12.6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 31.1g
Enjoy this delectable one-dish meal that brings together a wonderful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting dinner. Bon appétit!
