Description
Fajita Chicken Mac ‘n Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a zesty twist! This creamy pasta dish combines the rich flavors of traditional mac and cheese with the bold spices of fajitas, creating a delightful fusion that will excite your taste buds. Packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious cheese sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook seasoned diced chicken until browned; remove from skillet.
- Sauté sliced bell peppers and onion in the same skillet until softened; add minced garlic for flavor.
- In another pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk to form a cheese sauce by stirring in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, sautéed chicken, and veggies into the cheese sauce; stir until well mixed.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg