Tex-Mex skillet with spiced chicken, sautéed peppers, and pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (approximately 1.1 pounds)
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 (400 ml) chicken broth
19 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
20 - 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
21 - 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Garnishes (optional)
22 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
23 - Lime wedges
24 - Sliced jalapeños
# Directions:
01 - In a bowl, combine chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain 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. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 - If needed, add a splash of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté bell peppers and red onion for 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Add minced garlic and cook an additional 1 minute.
05 - Return chicken to the skillet with vegetables. Stir in cooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and sauce is creamy, evenly coating the pasta.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, and jalapeños if desired.
