Fajita Chicken Pasta Recipe

Hearty, colorful, and packed with zesty flavor, Fajita Chicken Pasta brings together everything you love about sizzling fajitas and creamy pasta in one incredible, weeknight-friendly dish. If you crave a dinner that’s guaranteed to gather everyone around the table (and earn you rave reviews), this is the recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Fajita Chicken Pasta keeps it refreshingly simple but packs in so much flavor. Every ingredient adds its own flair, from the juicy chicken and smoky fajita seasoning, to the creamy cheese and crisp, sweet peppers—you’ll see how the whole combination just sings together.

• Penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully and is just the right size for bites with chicken and veggies.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Brings out the best in sautéed peppers and helps create that classic fajita sizzle.
• Onion: Sliced and sautéed until sweet, it adds incredible depth to every forkful.
• Bell peppers (mixed colors): Use any combination you like for flavor and a pop of gorgeous color.
• Fajita seasoning: The hero of the dish—smoky, spicy, and so aromatic; store-bought or homemade both work.
• Chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up all the flavors of the seasoning and sauce.
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar): Melts into the pasta for a velvety, cheesy finish.
• Optional toppings: Think diced avocado or guac, extra cheese, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges, or hot sauce to make the bowl your own.

Variations

Fajita Chicken Pasta is one of those magical recipes that invites you to make it your own. Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge, accommodating dietary goals, or simply craving something a little different—customizing is a breeze!

• Switch up the proteins: Use shrimp, sliced steak, or even plant-based chicken strips for a fresh twist.
• Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add in black beans, roasted portobello mushrooms, or extra veggies.
• Change the pasta: Try whole wheat penne, gluten-free pasta, or fun shapes like fusilli or medium shells.
• Spice it up or down: Adjust the fajita seasoning or add extra jalapeños to dial the heat to your liking.

How to Make Fajita Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions. Before you drain it, remember to reserve at least ½ cup of the cooking liquid—this little trick helps create that luscious sauce that brings all the components of Fajita Chicken Pasta together.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

While the pasta bubbles away, heat half your olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced onions and peppers, sprinkle a tablespoon of fajita seasoning over them, and cook until they’re just tender with a little char—about 5-6 minutes. The mix should smell absolutely amazing by the time they’re done! Set aside the veggies in a bowl.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Drizzle in the rest of the olive oil, then add your thinly sliced chicken to the pan. Coat the pieces with two tablespoons of fajita seasoning and let them cook, stirring now and then, until just done—usually another 5-6 minutes. The chicken should be golden, juicy, and well-seasoned.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked onions and peppers to the skillet, then add the drained pasta, 1½ cups of shredded cheese, and the last tablespoon of fajita seasoning. Pour in about ¼ cup of your reserved pasta water, and stir everything until the cheese melts and the sauce clings to every bite. If it’s not as creamy as you’d like, just add a splash more pasta liquid.

Step 5: Serve and Top

When everything’s piping hot and the cheese is perfectly gooey, dish up your Fajita Chicken Pasta. Sprinkle over the rest of your cheese and have fun with those toppings—avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, a dollop of sour cream—whatever makes your mouth water!

How to Serve Fajita Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes is the secret to making your Fajita Chicken Pasta restaurant-worthy. Scatter on chopped cilantro for a burst of herby flavor, add sliced green onions or diced avocado for color and creaminess, or serve with a big squeeze of lime over the top to brighten the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a star all on its own, but it’s even better alongside a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even some warm tortillas to swoop up any cheesy bits left on your plate. Don’t forget a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa if you want to keep those Tex-Mex vibes going!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Fajita Chicken Pasta family-style in a big colourful bowl at the center of the table for a casual, festive meal. Or, pile it into individual mini skillets for diners to dress up themselves. For parties, portion it into small cups with tiny forks as the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Simply let your Fajita Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days—perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

This pasta freezes beautifully! Once it’s cooled, spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers and stash away for up to 6 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for an easy, flavor-packed dinner down the road.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your pasta in the microwave or warm gently in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk. Give it a good stir so the sauce becomes creamy again—then top with a fresh sprinkle of cheese for good measure!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about a big bowl of Fajita Chicken Pasta—creamy, colorful, a little bit spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a go-to in your own kitchen. Trust me, it’s one meal you’ll crave again and again!

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