Description
Creamy chicken fajita pasta blends Mexican and Italian cuisines in one comforting dish. Spicy peppers, tender chicken, and al dente pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 3 chicken breasts, sliced
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Pasta and Dairy:
- 4 cups (400 g) penne pasta
- 5 cups (1.4 L) milk
- 1 cup (100 g) pepper jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same pot, sauté bell peppers and onions until vegetables soften and onions become translucent, around 6 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pot and sprinkle with spices: salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Toss quickly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Pour milk into the pot and add penne pasta, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches al dente texture and sauce thickens naturally.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to settle, then serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Choose a wide, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Keep stirring pasta frequently to avoid sticking and achieve creamy, consistent sauce texture.
- Consider using low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version of this dish.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra spiciness.
- Prep Time: 11 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg