One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Introduction

One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is the kind of recipe that turns a hectic weeknight into a flavorful feast with minimal effort. It’s a delightful blend of Tex-Mex spices and creamy pasta that feels like comfort food with a kick. Think tender chicken, vibrant strips of bell peppers, and caramelized onions tossed in a smoky fajita seasoning, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. And the best part? It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

The first time I made this dish, it instantly became a family favorite. The aroma of sizzling fajita spices filling the kitchen was enough to get everyone at the table without a single reminder. What I love about this recipe is how it brings together the bold flavors of fajitas and the comforting texture of pasta in such a seamless way. Plus, it’s super versatile—swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjust the spice level to your liking, or mix in some extra veggies for added nutrition.

The creamy sauce, with just the right amount of spice, ties everything together beautifully, and a sprinkle of melty cheese on top takes it to the next level. Serve it with a side of fresh guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, or even some warm tortillas for a fun twist. One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the joy of fajitas and pasta into a single dish.

Perfect for:

• Busy weeknights
• Quick family dinners
• Tex-Mex-inspired meals
• One-pot cooking enthusiasts
• Meal prepping

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Here’s why One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is bound to become your go-to dinner recipe:

• Bold Tex-Mex Flavors: This dish captures the essence of fajitas with smoky, zesty spices and vibrant vegetables.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required as everything cooks in a single pot, saving you time and effort.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the chicken and carbs from the pasta, it’s a complete meal in one dish.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or swap out proteins to suit your tastes.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy pasta combined with fajita flavors is a hit with kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, chicken breasts are perfect for soaking up the fajita seasoning.
• Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika create the smoky, zesty fajita flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Acts as the cooking liquid for the pasta, infusing it with extra flavor.
• Cheese: A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack ensures a creamy, gooey finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta:

Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Heat Oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Add the Seasonings and Pasta

4. Season: Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, coating the vegetables evenly.
5. Combine Pasta and Broth: Add the penne pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Finish the Dish

6. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the pot, stirring to combine. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

8. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments:

• With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
• With Tortilla Chips: Pair with crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and a Tex-Mex feel.
• With a Lime Margarita Mocktail: A refreshing citrus drink complements the bold flavors perfectly.
• In Tacos: Spoon the pasta into soft tortillas for a creative twist on fajitas.
• Family-Style: Serve straight from the pot at the dinner table for a casual and cozy vibe.

Additional Tips for One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Here are some helpful tips for making the perfect One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta:

1. Adjust the Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder for more heat, or reduce the spices for a milder flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers to avoid overcooking it into mush.
3. Use Fresh Cheese: Grate the cheese from a block for better melting and a smoother sauce.
4. Prep Ahead: Slice the vegetables and chicken ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
5. Add More Veggies: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition and texture.

Recipe Variations for One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Here are 10 ways to switch up your One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta:

1. Shrimp Fajita Pasta: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
2. Vegetarian Option: Use black beans or tofu instead of chicken for a meatless version.
3. Spicy Jalapeño Pasta: Add sliced jalapeños to the sautéed veggies for a spicy kick.
4. Creamy Avocado Pasta: Stir in diced avocado before serving for a creamy and healthy addition.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the spices are gluten-free.
6. Cheesy Fiesta Pasta: Add a splash of salsa and more cheese for a Tex-Mex fiesta vibe.
7. Beef Fajita Pasta: Replace chicken with thinly sliced steak for a beefy variation.
8. Vegan Fajita Pasta: Use plant-based cheese, cream, and broth for a vegan option.
9. Cheesy Queso Pasta: Mix in some queso dip for an extra cheesy flavor.
10. Chipotle Fajita Pasta: Add a teaspoon of chipotle powder or adobo sauce for smoky depth.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment for One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta with ease:

1. Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: A deep, wide pan ensures enough space for all the ingredients.
2. Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken and vegetables.
3. Cutting Board: Dedicated to prepping vegetables and protein.
4. Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken and stirring the ingredients.
5. Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring spices and seasonings.
6. Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the pasta without scratching your cookware.
7. Grater: To shred the cheese for a creamy, smooth finish.
8. Ladle: For serving the pasta straight from the pot.
9. Citrus Juicer: Handy for squeezing lime juice to enhance the flavors.
10. Serving Bowls: For presenting the dish in style.

FAQ Section for One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added during the final steps to heat through.
2. What type of pasta works best?
   Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini is ideal as it holds the sauce well.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
4. How do I make it spicier?
   Add extra chili powder, cayenne, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat level.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or corn make excellent additions.
6. Can I use frozen bell peppers?
   Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
7. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
   Yes, it freezes well, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon reheating.
8. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
   Yes, though the cooking time may need slight adjustment.
9. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   Substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Yes, replace the chicken with tofu or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option.

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Conclusion

One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta combines the bold, zesty flavors of fajitas with the comforting heartiness of pasta, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and onions are tossed in a creamy, well-seasoned sauce that clings to every pasta bite. This one-pot wonder makes dinner prep a breeze and cleanup even easier.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. Pair it with a fresh salad or warm tortilla chips for a complete Tex-Mex-inspired feast that the whole family will love.

I can’t wait to see your take on this One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta! Share your photos on Instagram or leave a comment with your favorite additions or tweaks. Let’s spread the love for this delicious, fuss-free dish!