Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe because it hits all the right notes — it’s hearty, full of vibrant flavors, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress company. The combination of tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and that creamy, cheesy sauce over pasta is just pure comfort food magic.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the familiar fajita spices transformed an ordinary pasta dish into something exciting and new. You’ll find that it’s wonderfully flexible and comes together quicker than you’d expect, making it a go-to for busy evenings or anytime you want a crowd-pleaser without the fuss.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe works so well because each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness. Keep your vegetables sliced evenly to cook perfectly with the chicken and pasta.

• Chili powder: Adds smokiness and warmth to the chicken and veggies.
• Garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth that complements the peppers wonderfully.
• Onion powder: Boosts savory notes without overpowering the other spices.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavor elements harmoniously.
• Ground cumin: Introduces that earthy, slightly citrusy flavor that’s essential in fajitas.
• Dried oregano: Provides a hint of herbal brightness.
• Black pepper: Adds just enough sharpness to balance the creaminess.
• Olive oil: Needed for sautéing chicken and vegetables; it adds a lovely fruitiness.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to slice into strips and cook quickly.
• Yellow onion: Sweet and tender when cooked, it melds perfectly with the peppers.
• Red, green, and yellow bell peppers: Brings vibrant color, crunch, and fresh flavor.
• Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta, so it absorbs all those fajita spices.
• Penne pasta: Holds sauce beautifully with its tube shape and cooks evenly in the skillet.
• Heavy cream: Gives that luscious, silky texture.
• Colby-jack cheese: Melts smoothly for gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous burst if you like a pop of green and extra flavor.

Variations

I love how this Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe lends itself to so many adaptations—you can easily make it your own depending on what mood you’re in or what’s in your pantry. Don’t hesitate to play around with veggies, protein choices, or spicing levels to suit your taste.

• Try Chicken Thighs: I sometimes swap chicken breasts for thighs when I want juicier meat; just adjust cooking time slightly.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chipotle chili powder amped up the heat wonderfully for my spice-loving friends.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and toss in mushrooms or tofu for a tasty meat-free twist.
• Cheese Swap: Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack add a nice twist if you want more peppery, gooey cheesiness.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by mixing your chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper in a small bowl. Toss about a tablespoon of this seasoning with your sliced chicken breasts until they’re evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken strips. Cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; if your skillet isn’t huge, cook in batches to get a nice sear.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies with Seasoning

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and add the last tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Then toss in your chopped onions and all those colorful bell peppers along with the rest of your seasoning blend. Stir often and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have a little crisp to them. This texture contrast really makes the whole dish sing.

Step 3: Cook Pasta in Broth

Pour in your chicken broth and add the penne pasta directly to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let the pasta simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway, so it cooks evenly and absorbs that rich broth flavor.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and almost all the liquid has absorbed, take off the lid and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in your shredded Colby-Jack cheese little by little until it melts completely, thickening the sauce into this irresistibly creamy coating. Toss your cooked chicken back into the skillet and combine everything well. If you want, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh, herby finish.

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh chopped cilantro as my go-to garnish; it adds a lovely bright, herbal note that balances the creamy pasta. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a handful of diced green onions can add an extra fresh zing that makes the dish pop even more.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite sides with this recipe is a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. You’ll also enjoy pairing it with warm, crusty bread or even crispy tortilla chips if you want to keep with the fajita theme and add some crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I love serving this Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe in a big cast-iron skillet right on the table – it’s rustic and inviting. You can also portion it into individual bowls and top each with dollops of sour cream or guacamole for a fun, festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I make sure to let the pasta cool completely before sealing it to prevent sogginess. When I reheat, I add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silky texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe without issue, but I recommend freezing before adding the cheese and cream for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in fresh cream and cheese when reheating to keep it tasting fresh.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little broth or cream as needed. This method helps maintain the creamy, cheesy consistency better than microwaving, which can sometimes dry the dish out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly earned a permanent spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s just so satisfying — colorful, tasty, and surprisingly simple. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes your quick fix when you want the fun, bold flavors of fajitas but with that cozy pasta comfort. Give it a try and let me know how your family goes crazy for it too!

Print