Name: Chicken Fajita Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: undefined
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Fajita Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines all the delicious flavors of classic fajitas with creamy pasta. The tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and bold fajita seasonings are paired with a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together in a comforting, one-pan meal. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or need something easy and quick, this dish is a fun twist on the traditional fajita, and the pasta adds a satisfying element that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and fajita seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Make the creamy sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, allowing the liquid to reduce by half (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine with pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and stir until the cheese has melted and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness. Enjoy your chicken fajita pasta!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add heat: If you like spicy dishes, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add black beans or sautéed mushrooms as the main protein source. You can also include extra veggies like zucchini or corn.
Different cheese: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack or a Mexican blend of cheese for more flavor and creaminess.
Use shrimp or beef: Instead of chicken, try shrimp, beef strips, or even ground turkey for a different take on the dish.

Storage

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta can become a little thicker as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken, vegetables, and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To spice up the dish, you can add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or extra chili powder. If you like heat, add some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the sauce for an added smoky flavor.

Can I make this dish without dairy?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy cream (like coconut cream or cashew cream) and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning?

Yes! Store-bought fajita seasoning works great for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the salt accordingly, as some pre-made seasonings can be quite salty.

Conclusion

Chicken Fajita Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal that combines all the bold and vibrant flavors of fajitas with the comfort of pasta. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or serving up a delicious dinner for yourself, this meal is sure to become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious twist on classic fajitas!