One-Pot Creamy Fajita Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast (Diced into small cubes)
• 1.5 tbsp fajita seasoning (For seasoning the chicken; use the homemade mix below)
• 2 tsp salt (For the fajita seasoning mix)
• 4 tbsp garlic powder (For the fajita seasoning mix)
• 2 tsp ground cumin (For the fajita seasoning mix)
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper (For the fajita seasoning mix; adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 2 tsp smoked paprika (For the fajita seasoning mix)
• 1 tsp chili powder (For the fajita seasoning mix)
• 2 tsp dried oregano (For the fajita seasoning mix)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the fajita seasoning mix)
• 3 tbsp oil (For cooking)
• 3 garlic (Minced cloves)
• 1 cup mixed bell pepper
• 1 white onion (Chopped)
• 2 cups penne pasta (Uncooked)
• 4 cups chicken broth (May be substituted with 4 cups water and 2–3 tsp chicken bouillon powder)
• 1 tbsp fajita seasoning (For seasoning the vegetables and additional pasta seasoning; the method specifies 1 1/2 tbsp for the vegetables and more to taste at the end)
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (Shredded)
• 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
• fresh parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the fajita seasoning mix by combining the salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, and black pepper.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a wide pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the diced chicken and cook for 1–2 minutes, until it changes color. Season with 1 tablespoon of the fajita seasoning mix.

4. 4

   Add the mixed bell pepper and chopped white onion. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds.

5. 5

   Season the vegetables with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the fajita seasoning mix.

6. 6

   Add the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

7. 7

   Cook over medium heat until the pasta is al dente. Check the seasoning and add salt if needed.

8. 8

   Add the heavy whipping cream and cook for 2–3 minutes.

9. 9

   Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix well until incorporated.

10. 10

    Taste and add more fajita seasoning if desired. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.

11. 11

    Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness. Diced tomatoes or jalapeños may be added for extra flavor. If chicken broth is unavailable, substitute 4 cups water plus 2–3 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder. The source does not specify an exact total pasta-cooking time or final sauce-thickening time.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pot
• pasta
• chicken
• creamy
• stovetop
• Mexican-inspired