Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (large)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt (for seasoning the chicken)
• 2 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning the chicken)
• 2 tsp onion powder (for seasoning the chicken)
• 1 tsp paprika (for seasoning the chicken)
• 1 tsp chili powder (for seasoning the chicken)
• 0.5 tsp oregano (for seasoning the chicken)
• 0.5 tsp cumin (for seasoning the chicken)
• 1 bell pepper
• 0.5 red onion
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 8 oz shell pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cup water (approximately; just enough to cover the pasta)
• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 4 oz cheddar (shredded)
• 4 oz mozzarella (shredded)
• 4 oz pepper jack (shredded)
• 1 tsp salt (for the pasta; transcript describes a pinch of salt with the vegetables)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for the pasta)
• 1 tsp onion powder (for the pasta)
• 1 tsp paprika (for the pasta)
• 1 tsp chili powder (for the pasta)
• 0.5 tsp oregano (for the pasta)
• 0.5 tsp cumin (for the pasta)
• 1 tbsp cilantro (chopped)

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 the chicken well.

2. 2

   Heat a pan over medium heat and sear the seasoned chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through; the source does not specify an exact searing time.

3. 3

   Squeeze lime juice over the cooked chicken. Lime is mentioned in the transcript but is not included in the written ingredient list; the amount is unspecified.

4. 4

   Remove the chicken from the pan. Add the bell pepper and red onion to the same pan and 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 enough to cover the pasta.

8. 8

   Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, until most of the water has cooked off and the pasta is cooked.

9. 9

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

10. 10

    Add the remaining seasonings: 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.

11. 11

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

12. 12

    Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix it into the pasta.

13. 13

    Chop the cilantro and use it to finish the dish. Serve the chicken mac and cheese warm.

Notes

The transcript calls for lime juice on the chicken, but the post's ingredient list gives no amount; include lime juice to taste if desired. The video transcript does not specify a quantity for the pan-cooking pinch of salt, distinct from the written teaspoon measurements. Searing time and exact pasta doneness cues are not specified.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pot
• pasta
• chicken
• comfort food
• stovetop
• creamy
• family-friendly