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Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese

A delightful fusion of chicken fajitas and creamy mac and cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 800 g Chicken Breast, Sliced or Diced Tender and juicy, the chicken serves as the protein powerhouse.
  • 1 Tbsp Neutral Oil For sautéing the chicken.
  • 3 tsp Smoked Paprika Adds a deep, smoky flavor.
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder For aromatic boost.
  • 1.5 tsp Onion Powder Enhances savory goodness.
  • 1.5 tsp Dried Oregano Provides earthy note.
  • 1.5 tsp Ground Cumin Adds a hint of warmth.
  • 1 Tbsp Honey Balances spices and glazes chicken.
  • 2 Garlic Cloves Minced For extra fresh garlic flavor.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Essential seasoning.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 tsp Neutral Oil For sautéing vegetables.
  • 1 Large Onion, Sliced or Diced Adds texture and flavor.
  • 1-2 pieces Bell Peppers (Capsicum), Sliced or Diced Choose your favorite colors.
  • 3 Garlic Cloves Minced A double dose for robust flavor.
For the Pasta
  • 250 g Dry Macaroni or Shells Classic pasta that holds sauce.
  • 325 ml Full or Light Milk Forms the base of the cheese sauce.
  • 150 g Light Cream Cheese Adds creamy texture.
  • 130 g Cheddar Cheese, Grated Enhances cheesiness.
  • 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter Brings everything together.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Adjust to taste for balance.

Method
 

Cooking the Vegetables
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, seasoning with salt. Cook for 6-7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
  2. Add the minced garlic and spices. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In the same pan, add more olive oil and heat. Toss in the diced chicken seasoned with spices. Cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  2. Add minced garlic and honey, stirring until the chicken is glazed. Mix in about two-thirds of the cooked vegetables.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain.
  2. In a separate pot, combine the milk, cream cheese, and butter over low heat. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Add grated cheddar, salt, and pepper, stirring until melted.
Combining Everything
  1. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until coated. Adjust with pasta water if too thick.
  2. Incorporate the remaining fajita vegetables and remove from heat.
Serving
  1. Divide into containers. Garnish with fresh coriander or lime juice before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate chicken in spices for 30 minutes. Add jalapeños for spice or use sweet bell peppers for milder. Experiment with cheeses.