Tender spiced chicken, crisp bell peppers, and pasta simmered in a rich, cheesy Tex-Mex inspired sauce.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs), cut into thin strips
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - Juice of 1/2 lime
→ Vegetables
12 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
13 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
14 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
15 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pasta & Sauce
17 - 10 oz penne or rotini pasta
18 - 1 2/3 cups chicken broth
19 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
20 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
21 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Garnishes
22 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
23 - Lime wedges
24 - Sliced jalapeños
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Combine chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lime juice in a bowl. Toss to coat thoroughly and let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
03 - Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
04 - In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Add bell peppers and onion, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Return chicken to the skillet with vegetables. Add cooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and evenly coats the pasta.
07 - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
