Pasta cremosa con pollo fajita

Ingredienti

• 1/2 pound farfalle pasta (aka bowtie pasta)
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 a red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 an orange bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 an green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 a yellow onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, cut into cubes and softened to room temperature (plus more to taste)
• Olive oil (for the pan)
• Fresh Italian parsley (or cilantro, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/3 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparazione

1. 1

   In a medium pot, cook pasta according to package directions (don’t salt the water) until al dente. Reserve about 1 to 2 cups of pasta water, which is needed to build the sauce. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, mix all the seasoning ingredients until evenly combined.

3. 3

   Season chicken with half of the prepared seasoning. The rest of the seasoning will be used later.

4. 4

   Heat a few drizzles of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

5. 5

   In the same pan (don’t wipe clean), heat more oil and cook bell peppers and onions until softened, about 6 minutes. Season with the remaining seasoning mix, adjusting the amount to taste.

6. 6

   Next, add the softened cream cheese cubes and the reserved pasta water as needed (I used to about 1 cup), and stir until creamy and thickened.

7. 7

   Return the chicken and cooked pasta, mix to combine, and let it simmer for another 2 minutes until creamy and incorporated.

8. 8

   Finish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!