Chicken fajita pasta

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) short pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 chicken breast fillets, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2¾ oz (75g) full-fat crème fraîche, plus extra for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3½ oz (100g) grated cheddar cheese, for serving
• Pickled jalapeños, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain the pasta, reserving ⅔ cup (150ml) of the cooking water. Set the pasta aside.

2. Prepare the Stir-Fry:

   • In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to caramelize and soften.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Push the cooked onions and peppers to one side of the pan. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the empty side. Sprinkle with the oregano, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cumin. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • Stir the cooked chicken into the peppers and onions mixture. Add the crème fraîche to the pan and mix well. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Combine and Serve:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the pan, gently folding it into the chicken and vegetable mixture. Let everything heat through for a few minutes until well combined and coated with the sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Sprinkle each with grated cheddar cheese. Serve with pickled jalapeños and an extra dollop of crème fraîche on the side.

Enjoy this flavorful, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta dish that's perfect for any weeknight meal!