Description
A creamy, pasta-forward weeknight dinner combining savory chicken fajita flavors with a luscious cream-and-cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced (about 1 lb)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 onion, sliced (yellow or sweet)
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the sliced chicken to the hot skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and the fajita seasoning. Cook without moving for 2 minutes, then stir and continue until chicken is cooked through and browned, about 4–6 minutes total. Remove chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté until they’re tender-crisp and beginning to brown, about 4–5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir to combine.
- Add the shredded cheddar in small handfuls, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate within two hours. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. For freezing, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: fajita, pasta, creamy, chicken, Tex-Mex, weeknight dinner