Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Fajita Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that takes the best parts of fajitas and pairs them with creamy pasta for a satisfying meal. The fajita seasoning adds a perfect balance of smokiness, heat, and depth to the chicken and veggies, while the pasta provides a comforting base. The creamy sauce ties everything together, making each bite flavorful and indulgent. It’s a quick and easy recipe, but it’s also one that you can serve to impress family and friends with its bold flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
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12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet (about 1 oz) fajita seasoning mix (or homemade fajita seasoning)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for garnish)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
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Lime wedges (optional for serving)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
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Season the chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and half of the fajita seasoning mix. Toss to coat evenly.
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Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Make the sauce: Add the remaining fajita seasoning to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce, and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and warmed through.
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Serve: Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese (if using), fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra pop of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Spicy version: For some heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken or sauce.
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Make it creamy: You can add a little cream cheese or a handful of shredded mozzarella to the sauce for extra creaminess.
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Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and use a combination of black beans, corn, and additional veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
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Add cheese: Mix in more shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a cheesier dish. You can also top the pasta with cheese and broil it for a melty, golden topping.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion
Chicken Fajita Pasta is a perfect meal for those who love bold flavors and creamy dishes. The fajita seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick to the chicken and vegetables, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. This dish is easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Fajita Pasta will delight your taste buds with every bite!
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Chicken Fajita Pasta is a fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of fajitas with creamy pasta. This one-pan meal is packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican/Italian)
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) fajita seasoning mix (or homemade fajita seasoning)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and half of the fajita seasoning mix. Toss to coat evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the remaining fajita seasoning to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce, and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and warmed through.
- Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese (if using), fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra pop of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.To make it creamy, add cream cheese or mozzarella to the sauce.For a vegetarian version, use black beans, corn, and additional veggies instead of chicken.For a cheesier dish, stir in more cheese or top with cheese and broil for a melty topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 75mg