Description
A quick, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken, colorful peppers, and a creamy fajita-inspired sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add cream cheese to the skillet with vegetables, stirring until melted and combined.
- Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and shredded cheese. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Notes
Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or adjust spice levels with more chili powder or jalapeños for added heat.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT30M
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy chicken fajita pasta, easy recipes, quick dinner, weeknight meal
