Chicken Fajita Macaroni and Cheese

[Shoshanna]

Chicken Fajita Macaroni and Cheese

Prep

40 Min

Total

1 Hr 5 Min

Servings

10






Ingredients


3 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta (12 oz)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/2-inch slices

1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper

1 cup thinly sliced poblano chiles

1 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix chicken

2/3 cup water

1 3/4 cups milk

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese (6 oz)

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 oz)

1 cup crushed tortilla chips

2 tablespoons sliced green onions


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Steps

1

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.

2

Meanwhile, in Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center. Stir in bell pepper, chiles and onion; cook about 2 minutes longer or until onions just start to soften. Add taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Transfer to bowl, and reserve.

3

In 4-cup glass measuring cup, mix milk and whipping cream. Return Dutch oven to medium heat; melt butter in Dutch oven. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds, stirring frequently. With whisk, stir in flour and salt until smooth. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly.

4

Gradually stir in milk mixture. Increase heat to medium-high; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; reduce heat to medium. Stir in cheeses. Cook until melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in pasta and reserved chicken mixture. Remove from heat. Pour mixture into baking dish.

5

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until sauce is bubbly. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips and green onions on top.


Notes:

Any combination of bell peppers can be used to suit your crowd.


For perfect baked pasta texture, cook penne just to al dente as directed on package.

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