Description
Looking for a bold and comforting dish to brighten your dinner table? Chicken Fajita Macaroni is a creamy, cheesy, and zesty fusion of two beloved classics: macaroni and chicken fajitas. Packed with tender marinated chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a luscious cheese sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it’s simple to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 300 grams of boneless chicken, diced into small pieces
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
For Boiling Macaroni:
- 2 liters water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 packet elbow macaroni
For Assembling/Finalizing:
- 3 tbsp oil
- Marinated chicken
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium-sized capsicum, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup tetra pack cream
- ¼ cup cheddar and mozzarella cheese, mixed
- Boiled macaroni
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger and garlic paste, salt, black pepper powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder.
- Add the diced chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
-
Boil the Macaroni:
- In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of oil to the water.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and capsicum until they begin to soften.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in ½ cup of water and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
-
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- Lower the heat and add the tetra pack cream to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese and stir until melted, creating a creamy sauce.
-
Add the Macaroni:
- Gently fold the boiled macaroni into the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated and all ingredients are well combined.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the Chicken Fajita Macaroni to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Marination Tip: For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Customizable Veggies: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for more texture and color.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with Parmesan, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add extra chili powder or freshly sliced chilies if you enjoy a spicier kick!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Comfort Food