Make Chichen Fajita Pasta For An Easy Family Dinner

Pasta night or fajitas night? Both.

YIELDS: 6 serving(s)

PREP TIME: 40 mins

TOTAL TIME: 40 mins

Ingredients :

• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1 lb. penne
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1 to 1 1/2 lbs.), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp. fajita seasoning
• 2 tbsp. salted butter
• 2 tbsp. olive oil 
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1 poblano pepper, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1 small red onion, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 c. low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 c. heavy cream
• 1 tbsp. adobo sauce from a can of chipotles
• Black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro, to serve

Directions :

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. 
2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
3. In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil over high heat. Add half of the chicken in a single layer. Cook until deep golden, 2 to 3 minutes, then stir and cook until golden on the other side, 1 to 2 more minutes. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the remaining chicken and repeat. 
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil to the drippings in the pot. Add the garlic, bell pepper, poblano, red onion, mushrooms, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the vegetables to a plate. 
5. Add the chicken broth to the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and cook for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced. 
6. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the heavy cream, adobo sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5 to 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as needed. 
7. Return the chicken and vegetables to the pot. Add the pasta and cook, tossing, until coated and heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve topped with cilantro.