Vibrant Tex-Mex skillet with spiced chicken, peppers, onions, and creamy cheese sauce combined with pasta.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.1 pounds), 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 ounces 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
# Directions:
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 until evenly coated and let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
04 - Add a splash of olive oil to the same skillet if needed. Sauté sliced bell peppers and red onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
05 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet with vegetables. Add the cooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to combine and bring mixture to a simmer.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until completely melted and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
07 - Taste the skillet and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
08 - Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and jalapeños as desired. Serve immediately while hot.
