Ruby Tuesday's Sonora Chicken Pasta

Ruby Tuesday’s Sonora Chicken Pasta (Long, Detailed, Restaurant-Style)

A rich Southwestern pasta dish with creamy chipotle-lime sauce, grilled chicken, peppers, and plenty of cheese. This longer version includes step-by-step instructions, seasoning options, and optional restaurant-style garnishes.

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INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼–½ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)

• Salt & black pepper

For the Pasta & Vegetables

• 12 oz penne, rotini, or cavatappi

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• ½ medium onion, sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup corn kernels (grilled, roasted, or canned)

• 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel tomatoes OR 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chiles

• 1 small can sliced black olives (optional)

For the Creamy “Sonora” Sauce

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar

• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced (or 1–2 tsp chipotle paste)

• 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)

• Juice of ½ lime

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Garnishes

• Lime wedges

• Cilantro

• Extra cheese

• Crushed tortilla chips

• Diced tomato or green onion

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⭐ INSTRUCTIONS (LONG, STEP-BY-STEP)

1. Season & Cook the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry.

2. Rub with olive oil.

3. Mix all spices for chicken (chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper).

4. Coat chicken evenly on both sides.

5. Cook one of these ways:
   • Grill for 6–7 minutes per side until nicely charred
   • Pan-sear in a skillet until golden
   • Oven-bake at 200°C for 20–22 minutes

Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

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2. Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta until al dente.

• Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

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3. Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet:

1. Heat butter and olive oil.

2. Add sliced peppers and onions; cook until softened, 4–5 minutes.

3. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds.

4. Add corn and toss until lightly golden.

5. Stir in Ro-Tel/diced tomatoes.

Vegetables should be tender but still colorful.

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4. Make the Creamy Sonora Sauce

In the same pan:

1. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.

2. Bring to a simmer (not a boil).

3. Lower heat and whisk in:

   • sour cream

   • pepper jack

   • cheddar

4. Add minced chipotle pepper + adobo sauce.

5. Add spices (chili powder, paprika, cumin).

6. Squeeze in lime juice.

7. Taste and adjust:

   • more chipotle for heat

   • more cheese for richness

   • more lime for brightness

   • pinch of sugar if sauce is too spicy

Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.

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5. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce.

2. Toss fully to coat.

3. If needed, splash in pasta water to loosen the sauce.

4. Fold in half of the sliced chicken; save the rest for topping.

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6. Serve (Restaurant Style)

Plate the pasta in deep bowls.

Top with:

• remaining sliced chicken

• extra cheese

• crushed tortilla chips

• cilantro

• squeeze of lime

• drizzle of adobo sauce (optional)

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⭐ OPTIONAL ADD-INS (FOR AN EVEN LONGER VERSION)

Make It Creamier

• Add 2 oz cream cheese to the sauce.

Add Smokier Flavor

• Grill the peppers before slicing.

• Add ½ tsp liquid smoke.

Meat Variations

• Blackened shrimp

• Grilled steak strips

• Rotisserie chicken for speed

Veggie Boost

• Black beans

• Zucchini slices

• Roasted poblano peppers

Extra Heat Options

• Jalapeño slices

• Hot paprika

• Tajín sprinkled on top

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⭐ Storing & Reheating

• Keeps 3–4 days refrigerated.

• Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.

OTHER RECIPES

A great Ruby Tuesday recipe to try !

Ruby Tuesday Recipe INGREDIENTS

• 1 6 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast,grilled and
• sliced into 1/4-inch slices
• 10 oz (5/8 lb.) penne pasta, cooked
• 3/4 cup Sonora cheese sauce (recipe follows)
• 1/3 cup spicy black beans (recipe follows)
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes, for garnish
• 1 tsp green onion, sliced

Ruby Tuesday Recipe INSTRUCTIONS

Place pasta in mixing bowl. Add cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly. 

Pour into heated bowl. Place chicken on top of pasta, then ladle black beans on top.

Sprinkle with diced tomatoes and chopped greeen onions.

Sonoran Cheese Sauce

• 6 tbsp butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tbsp chicken stock
• 1 cup half-and-half
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce, or more to taste
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 3/4 cup prepared salsa (medium hot)
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Ruby Tuesday recipe INSTRUCTIONS
Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan and add onion and garlic.

 Saute until onion is transparent. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. 

Mix the hot water, chicken stock, and half-and-half. Add mixture slowly to roux, stirring
constantly.

Allow to cook 5 minutes. Sauce should have the consistency of honey). Add salt, sugar, hot sauce,
lemon juice, cayenne, and parmesan cheese to sauce.

Stir to blend. Do not allow to boil. Add Velveeta to sauce and stir until melted. Add salsa and
sour cream to sauce and blend. Makes 5 cups. The Ruby Tuesday recipe is ready to serve...enjoy it !
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