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Chicken Fajita Pasta

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Vegetables
  • 1 large chicken breast Chicken breast cut into small pieces.
  • 1 large bell pepper Bell peppers sliced. Any color works.
  • ½ large onion Onion thinly sliced.
  • 1 tablespoon for cooking Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon for that classic fajita flavor Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon for a little smoky color Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper Season to taste.
For the Pasta Sauce
  • 8 ounces of penne Pasta rotini, or another short pasta.
  • 3 ounces Cream cheese softened.
  • ½ cup Chicken broth
  • Pasta water Reserve about ½ cup before draining the pasta.
  • ½ lime for fresh juice Lime
  • ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese plus more for serving if you like.
  • Fresh cilantro Optional for topping.

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
  2. Save the pasta water: Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water.
  3. Season the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to a bowl and season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  5. Cook the peppers and onions: Remove the chicken from the skillet and add the sliced peppers and onions. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften but still have a little bite.
  6. Bring back the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
  7. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
  8. Add the pasta: Add the drained pasta and toss everything together.
  9. Loosen the sauce: Add a little reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency that coats the pasta.
  10. Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and let it melt into the sauce.
  11. Finish with lime: Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the pasta and stir gently.
  12. Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or lime juice if needed.
  13. Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and extra shredded cheese if desired.