Description
A rich and bold keto-friendly dish featuring tender chicken in a zesty Southwest flavor profile, wrapped in a velvety spicy Alfredo sauce and served with low-carb pasta for a guilt-free comfort meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts – 1 lb., cut into 1-inch strips
Low-Carb Penne – ½ lb. or zucchini noodles/hearts of palm
Heavy Cream – 1 cup, full-fat
Cheddar Cheese – 1 ½ cups, sharp shredded
Diced Tomatoes – 1 can (15 oz.), drained well
Yellow Onion – 1 cup, fine chopped
Garlic Cloves – 4, freshly minced
Ground Cumin – 1 tsp.
Chili Powder – 1 tsp.
Cayenne Pepper – ½ tsp.
Paprika – 1 tsp.
Oregano – 1 tsp.
Butter – 2 tbsp., unsalted
Olive Oil – 1 tbsp.
Honey – 1 tbsp., keto-friendly if necessary
Salt – to taste
Black Pepper – to taste
Chopped Fresh Cilantro – for garnish
Lime Wedges – for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken strips on a baking sheet. Season with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Stir in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, honey, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce is thick and creamy.
Drain low-carb pasta or prepare zucchini noodles as instructed. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, then toss to combine. Add the roasted chicken strips and stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime on the side.
Notes
For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Use a dairy-free heavy cream for a non-dairy version.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
Replace the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian or keto alternative.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Roasting and Simmering
- Cuisine: Southwestern Fusion