Chicken Fajita Pasta combines juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy sauce all mixed with pasta. It’s a fun twist on classic fajitas that everyone loves!
This dish is perfect for busy nights. I love how you can whip it up in no time and still impress your family or friends. Plus, who doesn’t love pasta? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne for this recipe because its shape holds the creamy sauce well. If you prefer, any shape like fusilli or rotini works too!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but you can use thighs for more flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu as a yummy substitute.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and sweetness. Feel free to mix in yellow or orange peppers for variety, or use zucchini if you want a different veggie spin.
Spices: The mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin brings a lot of flavor. If you don’t have these, taco seasoning also works in a pinch!
Cream: Heavy cream gives the best creamy texture, but you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter dish. Just keep in mind the flavor will change a bit with substitutions.
How Do You Get Spiced Chicken Just Right?
Adding the right blend of spices to the chicken is essential for flavor. The key is to make sure it’s evenly coated. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix all your spices in a bowl before adding to the chicken.
- Coat the chicken pieces evenly. I like to use my hands to really rub in the spices.
- Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after seasoning. This allows the flavors to penetrate.
Don’t rush the cooking process! A hot skillet helps achieve that nice browning, which adds even more flavor. Just remember to cook until it’s no longer pink inside for the best results.
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Spices:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and set it aside. This pasta will soak up all that delicious sauce later!
2. Season the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, grab a small bowl and mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Take your chicken pieces and toss them in this spice blend until they’re well coated.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and place them aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch. They’ll add a beautiful color to your dish!
5. Combine Chicken and Veggies:
Reduce the heat to medium. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. This is where the magic happens, and the flavors mingle!
6. Make it Creamy:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. It should smell amazing!
7. Add the Pasta and Cheese:
Now, add your cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta in that creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they melt into the sauce. Yum!
8. Final Touches:
Give your dish a taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. This is your meal, so tweak it to your liking!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle your Chicken Fajita Pasta with chopped fresh cilantro and, if you like, a little grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Serve it up immediately and enjoy! 🍽️
This delicious dish features tender spiced chicken, colorful sautéed peppers and onions, all tossed with al dente penne in a creamy cheesy sauce inspired by classic fajita flavors. It’s sure to become a household favorite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you have on hand, like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce on top before serving for an added zing!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the Chicken Fajita Pasta a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to refresh the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. Enjoy your delicious pasta again!
