Chicken Pasta with Mexican Cheese Sauce

🌟 Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Pasta

• Penne or fusilli pasta – 300 g (about 3 cups)

• Salt – 1 tsp (for boiling)

• Olive oil – 1 tsp

For the Chicken

• Boneless chicken breast – 400 g (cut into thin strips or cubes)

• Olive oil – 2 tbsp

• Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)

• Paprika – 1 tsp

• Cumin powder – ½ tsp

• Black pepper – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Lime juice – 1 tsp

For the Mexican Cheese Sauce

• Butter – 2 tbsp

• All-purpose flour – 2 tbsp

• Milk – 2 cups (warm)

• Heavy cream – ½ cup (optional for extra creaminess)

• Shredded Mexican cheese blend – 1 ½ cups
  (or a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a bit of mozzarella)

• Jalapeños – 2 tbsp (finely chopped, optional for heat)

• Chili flakes – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro – chopped

• Extra shredded cheese

• Lime wedges

🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente.

3. Drain, toss with 1 tsp olive oil, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Add chicken, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.

4. Cook until chicken is golden and fully cooked (6–8 minutes).

5. Drizzle lime juice, stir, and set aside.

3. Make the Mexican Cheese Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.

3. Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and let it thicken for 3–4 minutes.

5. Add the shredded Mexican cheese blend and stir until smooth and creamy.

6. Season with chili flakes, salt, and chopped jalapeños.

4. Combine

1. Add cooked chicken to the cheese sauce.

2. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is well coated.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Serve

• Plate the cheesy chicken pasta.

• Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra cheese, and lime wedges for a zesty kick.

💡 Tips

• For a smoky flavor, add ½ tsp chipotle powder or smoked paprika.

• If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water or milk.

• Add colorful veggies (like bell peppers, corn, or black beans) to make it more “Mexican-style.”