Once upon a time, in February 2014, I started a blog called Carlsbad Cravings. I didn’t think it would reach millions of people, so I didn’t think too hard about the name until I saw it referenced as “Carl’s Bad Cravings” on several sites. I laughed and realized I should have thought harder about the name. My photography was poor but my recipes were delicious. Fast forward over a year later, and readers still tell my their favorite recipe of mine is my Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta that I posted my second week of blogging! I am so glad my not nearly as quality photos hasn’t deterred all of you from the deliciousness. (and if it has, I think its time you try it : ) ) So today’s Santa Fe BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta is an ode to that favorite cheesy pasta. It’s inspired by the same ranch cheese sauce enlivened by cumin, smoked paprika, etc. all smothering corn, black beans, tomatoes and BBQ chicken. Can we say flavor? texture? cheesy? creamy? dreamy?! Although this pasta seems like it has a lot of ingredients, most of them are cans you simply crack open or spices you pop the lid of – so please don’t be intimidated. This fiestalicious pasta can all be on your table in 30 minutes because while you pop your chicken slathered in barbecue sauce in the oven and forget about it, you can prepare all the rest. To start, saute your red onions, corn, black beans, red bell peppers and tomatoes for a couple minutes. Once tender crisp, remove so you can use the same pan. Next, whisk your 1 tablespoon flour and 1 tablespoon butter together with your flour to create a roux. That’s right, only 1 tablespoon of butter for ALL THIS pasta! I think this pasta has been taking lessons from my Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo. Take a bow Alfredo. Add your mozzarella and cheddar cheeses along with your ranch seasoning cumin, smoked paprika, etc. and stir to this NO Cream, NO cream cheese, creamilicious heaven. I could drink this stuff. (And I definitely was licking my fingers. Sorry if that’s gross. They were clean.) Next, add back your oven baked barbecue chicken and corn, black, beans etc., some barbecue sauce and a little sour cream…. Followed by your pasta… Garnish with bacon, cilantro and drizzle with ranch if you like… And be prepared for the “more” begging to commence. Skinny 30 Minute Santa Fe BBQ Ranch Chicken Pasta. I’ll meet you in my dreams. Carlsbad Cravings© Original Tag @CarlsbadCravings and Use #CarlsbadCravngs Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!
