Fajitas meet pasta in this one-skillet marriage. Creamy and packed with peppers and onions, the whole meal can be made in just 30 minutes! A tortilla chip topping adds some surprising (and welcome) crunch.
Directions for: Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Kosher salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb(s) boneless skinless chicken thighs, (about 4) cut into 1/2" strips
3 medium red, green or yellow bell peppers, cut into 1/4" strips
1 small yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
8 oz penne (see Cook's Note)
6 oz cream cheese, cubed
4 oz Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
cup tortilla chips, crushed
Pico de gallo and sour cream, for serving
Directions
1. Heat the broiler to high. Combine the chili powder, cumin and 1 tablespoon salt in a small bowl.
2. Heat the oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and chili powder mixture and cook, tossing occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes. Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add the pasta and 2 1/2 cups water to the skillet and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it comes to a boil, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, 14 to 16 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted. Sprinkle the pepper jack and crushed chips over the top. Transfer to the broiler and cook until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots, 2 to 3 minutes.
Tips and Substitutions
Cook's Note
Penne is what really makes this recipe work so we don't recommend substitutions.
Source and Credits
Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
Copyright 2017 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.
See more: Pasta, Chicken, Cheese, Dinner, Main, Pepper