One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 450 g Chicken breast (or thigh) (cut into small cubes)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (1 tbsp for seasoning, 1 tbsp for cooking)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fajita spice mix (or make your own with 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder)
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 Bell pepper (any color, cut into cubes)
• 2 Garlic cloves (minced or sliced)
• 250 g Campanelle pasta (or any short pasta)
• 2 cups Chicken stock (low‑sodium preferred)
• 2.25 cups Whole milk
• 160 g Grated cheese (extra sharp cheddar & mozzarella blend) (about 1½ cups, freshly grated)
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cube and season the chicken

   Cut the chicken into bite‑size cubes. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and the fajita spice mix. Toss with your hands until evenly coated.

   Time: PT5M

2. Cook the chicken

   Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and add the seasoned chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until the pieces are browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: medium-high

3. Set chicken aside

   Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.

   Time: PT1M

4. Sauté onions

   Add 1 tbsp butter to the same pan. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring, until translucent.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: medium

5. Add bell pepper and garlic

   Add the cubed bell pepper and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until the pepper softens slightly and the garlic is fragrant.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium

6. Combine pasta, liquids, and chicken

   Add the dry pasta to the pan, then pour in 2 cups chicken stock followed by 2¼ cups milk. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: low

7. Season the sauce

   Taste the sauce and adjust with additional salt, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or extra chicken spices as desired.

   Time: PT1M

8. Melt the cheese

   Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

   Time: PT2M

9. Garnish and serve

   Sprinkle the chopped cilantro or parsley over the top and serve hot.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

800

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

3 g