Description
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)
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Varies
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
