Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

If you love the vibrant, smoky flavors of fajitas and the comfort of creamy pasta, then this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is the perfect recipe for you! This dish combines tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a perfectly spiced creamy sauce that’s tossed with pasta to create a one-pan wonder that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress family and friends, this creamy pasta delivers on all fronts.

Chicken fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish known for their bold, flavorful spices and the satisfying combination of chicken and colorful bell peppers. By incorporating these ingredients into a creamy pasta, you get the best of both worlds: the familiar taste of fajitas with the comforting, rich texture of a pasta dish. This recipe can be prepared in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze and allowing the flavors to blend beautifully as the dish cooks.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice the Chicken: Thinly slice or cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures quick and even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: Combine all fajita seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Sprinkle about half of the mix over the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re well-coated. Set aside the remaining seasoning for later.
3. Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the bell peppers and onion, keeping them uniform in size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Measure and Prep the Sauce Ingredients

1. Measure the Cream: Pour out the heavy cream, chicken broth, and set aside.
2. Shred the Cheese: If using a block of cheese, shred 1 cup of cheddar. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly in the sauce.
3. Soften the Cream Cheese: Cube and soften the cream cheese, allowing it to blend more easily into the sauce.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add More Oil: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Sauté the Peppers and Onion: Add the bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking and stir well.
3. Add Remaining Seasoning: Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Add Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring to combine.
2. Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, breaking it up with a spoon to help it melt into the sauce.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

1. Add Uncooked Pasta: Stir the pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the sauce.
2. Simmer Until Tender: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a little more chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add Chicken Back to the Pan: Once the pasta is tender, return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Stir in Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for added flavor and a burst of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers, garlic, and cheese will enhance the flavor and quality of the dish.
2. Control the Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add a pinch more chili powder if you want a bolder flavor.
3. Simmer for a Richer Sauce: Don’t rush the simmering step; allowing the sauce to cook and reduce slightly helps concentrate the flavors.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms with the bell peppers and onion for an earthy, savory addition.
2. Make It Low-Carb: Substitute the pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb version.
3. Try Different Cheeses: Use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a slightly different flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating Instructions

1. Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.
2. Microwave: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The bold fajita flavors of chicken, peppers, and onions blend beautifully with the creamy sauce and pasta, creating a meal that’s hearty and full of flavor. With its one-pan convenience, you’ll find it easy to prepare and clean up, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. Enjoy your flavorful fajita-inspired pasta dish, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular favorite!

Yield: 4

Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

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If you love the vibrant, smoky flavors of fajitas and the comfort of creamy pasta, then this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is the perfect recipe for you! This dish combines tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a perfectly spiced creamy sauce that’s tossed with pasta to create a one-pan wonder that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress family and friends, this creamy pasta delivers on all fronts.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne or pasta of choice
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1 small red onion, sliced thinly
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken strips and sprinkle with half of the fajita seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
   
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Add the remaining fajita seasoning and stir well. Slowly add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
   
5. Combine Ingredients:
   Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated with the creamy fajita sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

• Spice Level: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.