Chicken Fajita Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Weeknight Meal

Chicken Fajita Pasta: the ultimate weeknight dinner champion! Imagine the sizzling, vibrant flavors of chicken fajitas colliding head-on with the comforting, creamy goodness of pasta. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, wake up, because this dream is about to become your reality. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a fiesta in a bowl, a culinary adventure that will have your taste buds singing and your family begging for seconds.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition like some Italian pasta dishes, Chicken Fajita Pasta draws its inspiration from the beloved Tex-Mex classic, fajitas. Fajitas, believed to have originated in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, were initially made with skirt steak grilled over an open fire. Over time, the dish evolved to include chicken, peppers, and onions, all served with warm tortillas. Our pasta version takes those iconic flavors and transforms them into a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile. The combination of tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty fajita seasoning creates a symphony of tastes that is both familiar and exciting. The creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch, while the pasta provides a satisfying and comforting base. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. But the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those evenings when you need a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, are you ready to experience the magic of Chicken Fajita Pasta? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade – recipe below)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Fajita Veggies:
  • 1 large bell pepper (any color, or a mix), sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp fajita seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
  • 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional):
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started with the chicken. This is the foundation of our delicious Chicken Fajita Pasta, so we want to make sure it’s flavorful and cooked perfectly. I like to start by prepping all my ingredients before I even turn on the stove. It just makes the whole process smoother and less stressful.

1. Cut the Chicken: First, take your chicken breasts and cut them into strips. Aim for strips that are about 1/2 inch thick and 2-3 inches long. This size cooks quickly and evenly, and it’s perfect for mixing into the pasta later.
2. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning (either store-bought or the homemade version), 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. I like to use my hands to really massage the spices into the meat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Sautéing the Fajita Veggies

Next up, we’re going to cook the fajita veggies. These add a wonderful sweetness and texture to the pasta, and they complement the chicken perfectly. Don’t skip this step – it really elevates the dish!

1. Prepare the Veggies: Slice the bell pepper and onion into strips, similar in size to the chicken.
2. Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wash it!), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat over medium heat. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Season the Veggies: During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the vegetables with 1/2 teaspoon of fajita seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. Once the veggies are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside with the chicken.

Cooking the Pasta and Making the Cream Sauce

Now for the heart of the dish – the pasta and the creamy, cheesy sauce! This is where all the flavors come together to create that classic Chicken Fajita Pasta experience. Make sure you don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.

1. Cook the Pasta: While you’re working on the chicken and veggies, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Make the Cream Sauce: In the same pot you cooked the pasta in (or a large skillet), melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the pot. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
4. Add the Chicken Broth and Cheese: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season the Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the fajita seasoning already has salt in it, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
6. Adjust Consistency (if needed): If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Bringing It All Together

This is the exciting part – where we combine all the elements into one glorious dish! Get ready for a flavor explosion.

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and fajita veggies to the cream sauce. Toss gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
2. Heat Through: Heat the pasta mixture over low heat for a few minutes, or until everything is heated through.
3. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese, if desired.

Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own fajita seasoning, it’s super easy and you can customize it to your liking. Here’s my go-to recipe:

1. Combine Spices: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Mix Well: Mix all the spices together until well combined.
3. Store: Store the fajita seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will keep for several months.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize this recipe to your preferences:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the fajita seasoning to control the spice level. If you like it mild, omit the cayenne pepper altogether. If you like it hot, add a little more.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese would add a nice kick, while mozzarella cheese would make it extra gooey.
• Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the fajita mixture, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
• Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute shrimp, steak, or even tofu.
• Make it Lighter: To make this dish lighter, you can use light cream cheese, skim milk instead of heavy cream, and whole wheat pasta.
• Add Black Beans or Corn: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or a cup of frozen corn for added texture and flavor.
• Serve with Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings for your guests to customize their pasta, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.

Make Ahead Instructions

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe is truly a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal. It’s the perfect marriage of comforting pasta and zesty fajita flavors, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting. I promise, once you taste that creamy, cheesy sauce infused with the smoky spices and tender chicken and peppers, you’ll be hooked!

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity, really. You get all the deliciousness of chicken fajitas without the fuss of individual tortillas. Plus, the pasta adds a comforting element that makes it a complete and hearty meal. It’s also incredibly versatile, so feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. Want a little more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the amount of chili powder.

And the serving suggestions are endless! I love serving this Chicken Fajita Pasta with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. A side of warm garlic bread is also a fantastic addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, you could serve it with a simple green salad.

But don’t stop there! Get creative with variations. Try adding black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. Swap out the chicken for shrimp or steak for a different protein option. You could even use a different type of pasta, like penne or rotini. The possibilities are truly endless!

If you’re looking to make it vegetarian, you can easily substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or even just add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. The fajita seasoning works beautifully with a variety of ingredients, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the kind of dish that everyone raves about and asks for again and again. And the best part is, it’s so easy to make that even a beginner cook can whip it up in no time.

I truly believe that this Chicken Fajita Pasta will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great option for potlucks or gatherings, as it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do try it, please, please, please come back and let me know what you think! Share your photos, your variations, and your experiences in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking! I’m excited for you to try this delicious and easy meal. Let me know what you think!