Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 Chicken breasts (large)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 tsp Salt (2 tsp for seasoning the chicken; 1 tsp added with the second set of spices)
• 3 tsp Garlic powder (2 tsp for seasoning the chicken; 1 tsp added with the second set of spices)
• 3 tsp Onion powder (2 tsp for seasoning the chicken; 1 tsp added with the second set of spices)
• 1 tsp Paprika (1 tsp for seasoning the chicken; 1 tsp added with the second set of spices)
• 1 tsp Chili powder (1 tsp for seasoning the chicken; 1 tsp added with the second set of spices)
• 0.5 tsp Dried oregano (½ tsp for seasoning the chicken; ½ tsp added with the second set of spices)
• 0.5 tsp Ground cumin (½ tsp for seasoning the chicken; ½ tsp added with the second set of spices)
• 1 Bell pepper
• 0.5 Red onion
• 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 9 oz Shell pasta (uncooked; source gives a range of 8–10 oz)
• 2 cup Water (approximately; add just enough to cover the pasta)
• 12 oz Evaporated milk
• 4 oz Cheddar cheese
• 4 oz Mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz Pepper jack cheese
• 1 tbsp Cilantro (chopped)
• Lime juice (squeeze over the cooked chicken; amount not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the chicken breasts with the olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon oregano, and ½ teaspoon cumin, coating them evenly.

2. 2

   Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken until cooked through, turning as needed; the source does not give a cooking time or temperature.

3. 3

   Squeeze lime juice over the cooked chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. 4

   Add the red onion and bell pepper to the same pan. Cook until softened.

5. 5

   Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt to the softened vegetables.

6. 6

   Add the uncooked shell pasta to the pan.

7. 7

   Pour in approximately 2 cups water, or just enough to cover the pasta. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, until most of the water has cooked off.

8. 8

   Add the evaporated milk, cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack to the pan.

9. 9

   Add the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon oregano, and ½ teaspoon cumin.

10. 10

    Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.

11. 11

    Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir it into the mac and cheese.

12. 12

    Chop the cilantro and scatter it over the finished dish before serving.

Notes

The source does not specify a cooking time for searing the chicken or softening the vegetables. It mentions a pinch of salt with the garlic, but does not give a separate measured amount; the listed salt includes the two measured seasoning amounts from the description. Pasta quantity is given as a range, and water as an approximation.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pot
• pasta
• comfort food
• chicken
• high-protein