Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/22 checked
4
servings
12 lb

penne pasta

cooked, drained

1 tbsp

olive oil

to taste

1 lb

ground chicken

lean

2 tbsp

fresh garlic

finely chopped

1 tbsp

olive oil

1 unit

zucchini

thinly sliced

1 unit

red bell pepper

seeded, halved, cut into strips

1 cup

frozen corn

thawed, drained

0.5 cup

red onion

chopped

1 tsp

fresh garlic

minced

1 tsp

olive oil

0.5 tsp

seasoning salt

1 dash

fresh ground black pepper

to taste

2 tsp

ground cumin

0.5 tsp

cajun seasoning

0.38 tsp

dried ancho chile powder

3 dash

bottled hot sauce

to taste

0.75 cup

evaporated milk

2 tbsp

sour cream

0.25 cup

cheddar cheese

shredded

1 unit

sour cream

additional

1 unit

fresh cilantro

chopped

Step 1
~3 min

Prepare all ingredients by chopping vegetables and measuring spices.

Step 2
~3 min

Boil water and cook penne pasta according to package directions.

Step 3
~3 min

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4
~3 min

Add garlic and ground meat, cooking until browned and crumbled.

Step 5
~3 min

Remove meat from skillet and set aside, draining any excess fat.

Step 6
~3 min

Add more olive oil to the skillet, along with garlic and chopped red onions.

Step 7
~3 min

Sauté onions until translucent and lightly browned.

Step 8
~3 min

Add bell peppers and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9
~3 min

Add zucchini and corn, stirring to coat with oil and onions.

Step 10
~3 min

Season with seasoning salt and black pepper.

Step 11
~3 min

Cook vegetables until slightly softened but still crisp, stirring frequently.

Step 12
~3 min

Return the cooked meat to the skillet.

Step 13
~3 min

Add cumin, Cajun seasoning, ancho chile powder, and hot sauce.

Step 14
~3 min

Lower the heat to medium and slowly pour in evaporated milk, stirring constantly.

Step 15
~3 min

Add sour cream and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and blended.

Step 16
~3 min

Raise the heat back to medium-high and cook the sauce until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 17
~3 min

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 18
~3 min

Toss drained pasta with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 19
~3 min

Divide pasta among plates and ladle sauce over each serving.

Step 20
~3 min

Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro leaves.

Step 21
~3 min

Serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

Use different colored bell peppers for a more visually appealing dish.

Garnish with a squeeze of lime juice for a bright finish.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread.

Pairs well with a simple green salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic Bread
Green Salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Southwestern USA

Cultural Significance

Combines Italian pasta with Southwestern flavors.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Casual gatherings
Weeknight dinners

Occasion Tags

Weeknight meal
Family dinner
Casual gathering

Popularity Score

70/100

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