Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Fajita Pasta brings together the bold, zesty flavors of fajitas with the comforting richness of pasta. This fusion dish is an exciting twist on traditional fajitas, combining juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully. With a delicious blend of Mexican-inspired seasonings and a creamy sauce, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavor, spice, and texture.

Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or preparing a delicious dinner for family and friends, Chicken Fajita Pasta is sure to impress. The combination of smoky, spicy fajita seasoning with tender chicken and a creamy pasta base creates a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of vibrant flavors. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to create this flavorful pasta, from step-by-step instructions to helpful tips and variations.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Fajita Pasta

• Bold, Zesty Flavor: The fajita seasoning adds the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, making every bite of pasta exciting and full of taste.
• Perfectly Creamy and Hearty: The creamy sauce envelops the pasta, creating a comforting, rich texture that complements the spicy chicken and vegetables.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this pasta comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Meal: This dish is a one-pan wonder, meaning less mess and less cleanup, which is always a bonus.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of spice to suit your taste or add different vegetables to suit your preferences. The dish is versatile, allowing for plenty of creativity in the kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 450-550 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-550 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fajita Pasta:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your preferred type)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for added zest)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

To start, season the chicken breasts with the fajita seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, and set them aside for later.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use in the sauce. Set the cooked pasta aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside along with the sliced chicken.

4. Make the Creamy Fajita Sauce

In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will help incorporate all the flavors into the sauce.

Once the broth has reduced slightly (about 2 minutes), add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or fajita seasoning, if necessary.

5. Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Pasta

Once the creamy sauce has thickened to your liking, add the sliced chicken and sautéed vegetables back into the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients and coat them in the creamy sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy fajita sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.

6. Add Cheese (Optional)

If you’d like to make this dish even creamier and cheesier, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce. This step is optional, but it adds extra richness and flavor to the dish.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Chicken Fajita Pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

This dish pairs perfectly with a side of warm, crusty bread or a light salad to balance out the richness of the creamy sauce.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Fajita Pasta

• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked, juicy chicken.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of fajita seasoning or chili powder. If you like it extra spicy, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini, corn, or even mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
• Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet will make it easier to cook the chicken and vegetables without them sticking, and it will also help when making the creamy sauce.
• Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use that in place of cooking fresh chicken breasts. It saves time and still works beautifully in the dish.

Variations of Chicken Fajita Pasta

• Shrimp Fajita Pasta: Swap the chicken for shrimp to create a lighter, seafood-inspired version of this dish. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian Fajita Pasta: Skip the chicken altogether and load up the pasta with extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, corn, and black beans for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian version.
• Spicy Chicken Fajita Pasta with Jalapeños: Add fresh or pickled jalapeños to the pasta for an extra kick of heat. You can stir them into the sauce or use them as a garnish on top.
• Cheesy Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake: Turn this dish into a baked casserole by transferring the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish, topping it with more cheese, and baking it at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Lime and Cilantro Chicken Fajita Pasta: Add more lime juice and fresh cilantro to the dish for an even fresher, zesty flavor profile. You can also serve the pasta with lime wedges on the side.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Fajita Pasta is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

If you want to freeze the pasta, let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. The pasta will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Fajita Pasta

Pair this flavorful pasta with sides that will complement its zesty, creamy richness:

• Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, avocado, and a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy fajita sauce.
• Mexican Rice: A side of seasoned Mexican rice pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of the pasta, making for a satisfying meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled veggies like zucchini, corn, and asparagus provide a smoky contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Margarita or Iced Tea: Pair the meal with a refreshing margarita, a chilled glass of white wine, or iced tea for a perfect dinner combination.

Print

Conclusion

Chicken Fajita Pasta is a delightful and bold fusion dish that brings together the flavors of fajitas and pasta in a comforting, creamy dish. The smoky, spicy chicken, sautéed vegetables, and rich, creamy sauce create a satisfying meal that is both flavorful and filling. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to impress guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its easy preparation, customizable spice levels, and one-pan simplicity, Chicken Fajita Pasta is a delicious, hearty meal that will satisfy your cravings every time. Enjoy this flavorful, creamy pasta and make it your go-to dish for any occasion!