One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

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One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the best of both worlds: the bold spices of fajitas and the comforting creaminess of pasta. All made in one pot, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. Tender chicken, bell peppers, and onions are cooked with zesty fajita seasoning, then tossed with pasta and a creamy sauce that pulls everything together in a single, delicious meal.

I first made One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta when I was craving something spicy but still comforting, and I didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The fajita seasoning adds the perfect kick, and the creaminess of the sauce rounds out the heat, creating a balanced dish. Cooking everything in one pot not only makes it easier, but it also allows all the flavors to meld together for a truly satisfying meal.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and flexibility. You can use whatever pasta you have on hand, and it’s easy to add extra veggies or even swap the chicken for shrimp or beef. This One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is a crowd-pleaser, combining spicy, savory, and creamy elements into a comforting dish that’s quick to make and hard to resist.

Perfect for:

  • Busy weeknights
  • Family dinners
  • Potlucks
  • Comfort food lovers
  • Spice enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta will become a new favorite in your meal rotation:

  • All-in-One Meal: Everything is cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Bold Fajita Flavor: The zesty fajita seasoning adds the perfect amount of spice and depth to the dish.
  • Creamy and Comforting: A rich, creamy sauce coats the pasta and chicken for a satisfying meal.
  • Tender Chicken: The chicken is juicy and tender, cooked to perfection with the fajita seasoning.
  • Colorful Veggies: The bell peppers add color, flavor, and crunch to the dish.
  • Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
  • Customizable Spiciness: Adjust the heat level with more or less chili powder or add jalapeños for extra spice.
  • Kid-Friendly: The creamy pasta and mild fajita flavor make it a hit with kids.
  • One Pot Wonder: All ingredients are cooked in the same pot, saving time and minimizing dishes.
  • Leftover Friendly: This dish makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Pasta:

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

For the Sauce:

  • 1 packet fajita seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream

Ingredient Highlights

  • Fajita Seasoning: Provides the classic, savory flavor with just the right amount of spice.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the fajita seasoning.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a melty, cheesy finish to the creamy pasta.
  • Bell Peppers: Offer a fresh, crunchy texture and vibrant color to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat Oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. Sauté Peppers: In the same pot, add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Add Seasoning: Stir in the fajita seasoning and cook for 1 more minute to toast the spices.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has absorbed.

Finish the Dish:

  1. Add Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy.
  2. Season to Taste: Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta:

  • With Fresh Cilantro: Garnish with cilantro for added freshness and color.
  • As a Main Dish: This pasta is hearty enough to be the star of your meal.
  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or avocado slices for a balanced meal.
  • For Taco Night: Serve alongside soft tortillas for a fajita-inspired feast.
  • For a Spicy Kick: Top with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
  • With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a comforting combination.
  • For Meal Prep: Divide the pasta into containers for easy lunch or dinner options throughout the week.
  • With Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream helps cool down the spice and adds creaminess.
  • As a Weeknight Dinner: A quick, one-pot dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
  • With Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime over the pasta for a burst of citrus flavor.

Additional Tips

  • Adjust Spice Level: For a milder dish, use a less spicy fajita seasoning or skip the jalapeños.
  • Use Leftover Chicken: If you have cooked chicken on hand, simply add it to the pot at the end.
  • Creamier Sauce: For an extra creamy dish, add more cheese or use half-and-half in place of the cream.
  • Add Beans: For added protein and fiber, stir in a can of black beans or pinto beans.
  • Keep it Warm: If you’re not serving immediately, cover the pot and keep it warm over low heat until ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian Fajita Pasta: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
  • Spicy Chicken Fajita Pasta: Add more chili powder or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a spicier kick.
  • Creamy Avocado Fajita Pasta: Stir in mashed avocado at the end for a creamy, avocado-infused sauce.
  • Southwestern Chicken Fajita Pasta: Add corn and black beans for a Southwestern twist.
  • Cheesy Mexican Fajita Pasta: Use Mexican blend cheese instead of cheddar for a more varied cheese flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the dish.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.

Special Equipment

  • Large Pot or Deep Skillet: For cooking everything in one pot.
  • Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients while they cook.
  • Lid: To cover the pot while cooking the pasta to speed up the process.
  • Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken and bell peppers.
  • Cheese Grater: For freshly shredded cheese to melt into the sauce.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it through completely before adding it to the pot.
  2. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
    Yes, you can substitute the pasta with any shape you prefer, such as farfalle or fusilli.
  3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    Yes, this pasta freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  4. How do I make this dish spicier?
    Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or sliced jalapeños for a spicier flavor.
  5. Can I make this ahead of time?
    While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook it when you’re ready.
  6. Can I use other vegetables?
    Absolutely! Feel free to add or swap out vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or zucchini.
  7. What kind of cheese works best?
    Cheddar is perfect, but you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor.
  8. Can I skip the cream?
    Yes, you can substitute the cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
  9. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  10. How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
    Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente and allow the liquid to absorb gradually.

Conclusion

One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that combines the zesty flavors of fajitas with creamy pasta in one easy-to-make pot. The tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and spices are sautéed to create a fajita-inspired base, then mixed with pasta and a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the bold seasoning. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the hassle of washing extra dishes.

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. The fajita seasoning gives the chicken and vegetables a vibrant, smoky kick, while the creamy sauce pulls everything together into a satisfying, comforting pasta dish. The one-pot cooking method makes cleanup a breeze, and the result is a meal that’s both filling and full of flavor.

I’d love to see your One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your colorful, delicious dishes. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you personalized the recipe with your favorite ingredients or extra toppings!

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