Chicken Fajita Pasta (Ready in Under 30 Minutes)

Ingredients

• 16 oz (1 lb) cavatappi pasta
• 3-4 skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
• 9 oz bacon, chopped
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 packet fajita seasoning (or make your own mix with cumin, chili powder, and paprika)
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups half & half cream
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• fresh cilantro, for garnish

How to Make It

1. Render the chopped bacon in a cold pan over medium heat until crisp.
2. Remove the crisp bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. Transfer the chicken to a larger bowl.
4. Season the chicken with the fajita seasoning packet, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, to taste.
5. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the rendered bacon fat in the pan, then cook the seasoned chicken through; set aside.
6. Sauté the onion and bell peppers in the same pan until softened.
7. Cook the pasta until just al dente; reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
8. Add 2 cups half & half cream and the reserved pasta water to the pan with the vegetables.
9. Finish cooking the al dente pasta the rest of the way in the sauce, stirring until the noodles are cooked through and the sauce thickens.
10. Stir in 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
11. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and fold in most of the crisp bacon, reserving a little for garnish; toss to coat.
12. Serve garnished with the reserved bacon and fresh cilantro.

Curtis's Tips

• All of my busy professionals out there — this dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
• No fajita seasoning packet? Make your own with cumin, chili powder, and paprika mixed to taste.