Cheesy Baked Fajita Pasta

[fluffyiyoyo]

Calling all cheese lovers and Tex-Mex fans! Sharing you today my new weeknight BFF that could be yours too. It's basically a flavor fiesta in a baking dish, and it's surprisingly easy to make too! Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a cheesy indulgence on a lazy night in

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne or other short pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and fajita seasoning, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice sear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced bell pepper and onion for 3-4 minutes until they're slightly softened.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they're fully melted and incorporated.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, cooked chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss everything together until well-coated.
8. Transfer the cheesy fajita pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
10. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.

Who's in? Let me know if you give it a try! This recipe is gonna be a game-changer for your weeknight meals

 

[Caramellyy_]

I bet this more tasty if you paired up drinking with wine! Because the flavors and spices would really compliment to each other

 

[Alfredo]

Yum! That sounds like the ultimate comfort food. Can't wait to give it a try.

 

[johnlloyd]

I bet this more tasty if you paired up drinking with wine! Because the flavors and spices would really compliment to each other

Overall, I think Cheesy Baked Fajita Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of both worlds - pasta and fajitas. It's easy to make, comforting to eat, and sure to become a family favorite!