Chicken Fajita Pasta (Print-Friendly Version)

Tender chicken and bell peppers combined with creamy sauce and penne for a hearty and flavorful dish.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Sauce

01 - 295 ml half and half
02 - 180 ml chicken broth
03 - ½ chicken bouillon cube
04 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce
05 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar
07 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
09 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
10 - ½ teaspoon ground coriander
11 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder

→ Main

12 - 15 ml avocado oil
13 - 454 g boneless skinless chicken breast
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste
15 - 2 cups sliced bell peppers
16 - 1 cup chopped yellow onion
17 - 120 ml dry white wine
18 - 227 g penne pasta
19 - 45 g unsalted butter
20 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
21 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
22 - 1 can (285 g) drained diced tomatoes with green chilies
23 - 75 g shredded cheddar cheese
24 - 50 g shredded Pepper Jack cheese
25 - 2 teaspoons lime juice
26 - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

# Detailed Directions:

01 - Combine half and half, chicken broth, bouillon cube, hot sauce, chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, coriander, and garlic powder in a large measuring cup. Set aside.
02 - Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, and half of the seasoning mixture from the sauce ingredients.
03 - Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces on all sides for 4 to 5 minutes until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - Add sliced bell peppers and chopped onion to the skillet with a little oil. Season lightly and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside.
05 - Pour dry white wine into the skillet over medium heat, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Allow the liquid to reduce by half.
06 - Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
07 - Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes to form a roux.
08 - Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the prepared sauce mixture, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
09 - Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with chilies. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
10 - Add the cooked pasta, seared chicken with its juices, and sautéed vegetables into the sauce. Stir thoroughly to heat through evenly.
11 - Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.

# Helpful Advice:

01 - Use fresh cilantro for the best garnish flavor and adjust hot sauce to preferred spice level.