Chopped jalapeno and canned chipotle chiles add heat to this delicious meal.

you might cut back on both or leave them out completely for a milder version.

Swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for pepper Jack for an extra kick.

a recipe photo of the Fajita-Inspired Pasta Bake

Photo:Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

It packs all the flavors of chicken fajitas into a delicious, creamy casserole.

Charring the chicken and veggies first gives you that classic fajita taste with far less work.

Coat a 9-by-13-inch broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray.

the ingredients to make the Fajita-Inspired Pasta Bake

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Reserve 2 cups of the cooking water; drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, sprinkle 112 pounds chicken with 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning and 14 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

a step in making the Fajita-Inspired Pasta Bake

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Transfer to a cutting board; let stand for 5 minutes.

Wipe the skillet clean.

Slice the chicken into thin strips.

a step in making the Fajita-Inspired Pasta Bake

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet.

Whisk 12 cup half-and-half and 1 teaspoon cornstarch together in a medium bowl.

Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

a step in making the Fajita-Inspired Pasta Bake

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup Monterey Jack.

Broil until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.

Top with 2 tablespoons cilantro and the remaining 1 tablespoon jalapeno.

Yes, you’ve got the option to.

For best results, stick with a short pasta shape like cavatappi, rotini, rigatoni, etc.

Once cooked, it’s possible for you to divide it all up and place it in airtight containers.

It should be good for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing individual portions is another great option.

Store them in freezer-safe containers, and they should be good for up to 3 months.

Serve with an avocado salad like ourCucumber, Tomato & Avocado Saladand a refreshing limeade.