This one-pot chicken fajita pasta is an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.
It features taco-spiced chicken strips and deliciously tender peppers and onions. Plus, a creamy sauce with Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies my family just adores.
Every bite is an explosion of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a Mexican cantina.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Pasta
Quick & Easy: This chicken pasta is designed for convenience. You only need one skillet, and it’s on the table in about 30 minutes (from start to finish), making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly Flavors: With familiar fajita ingredients and customizable toppings like avocado and sour cream, this dish is perfect for big families. And you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
Perfect for Entertaining: The colorful presentation and the ability to scale up the recipe make this pasta dish an excellent option for casual dining with guests or potluck events.
Customizable Protein: While the recipe calls for chicken, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or plant-based alternatives.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: The star protein, sliced thin and seasoned with fajita spices for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Penne Pasta: Cooked to al dente right in the skillet. You can use other kinds of pasta, too, but that may change the cooking time.
- Fajita Seasoning: A zesty blend of spices to infuse the dish with authentic Tex-Mex flavors.
- Onion, Bell Peppers, and Garlic: The holy trinity of fajita vegetables, adding sweetness, color, and aromatic depth to the pasta.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The savory liquid base that brings all the elements together into one cohesive dish.
- Heavy Cream: A luxurious touch that transforms the sauce into something rich, velvety, and totally crave-worthy.
- Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles: Fire-roasted tomatoes and spicy green chiles kick the flavor up a notch.
- Salt: A sprinkle enhances the other ingredients and makes everything sing.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (optional): Melty, gooey cheese creates the perfect cheesy finish to this incredible pasta dish.
- Optional Toppings: Customize your bowl with cool avocado, tangy sour cream, fresh cilantro, and bright lime for a restaurant-style experience at home.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta
Craving the bold flavors of chicken fajitas but in a heartier pasta form?
This fajita pasta is the ultimate fusion dish that combines Mexican spices with creamy pasta for a deliciously satisfying meal.
And believe it or not, it comes together in one pan!
1. PREP. Slice, pat dry, and season the chicken. Slice all the veggies and mince the garlic.
2. COOK. Warm some olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until no longer pink. Remove to a plate.
3. SAUTÉ. Cook the peppers and onions in the same skillet, then add the garlic. Remove all to the same plate as the chicken.
4. MIX. In the same skillet, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and salt. Bring to a boil and add the pasta.
5. SIMMER. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the pasta is cooked.
6. COMBINE. If using, add the cheese, then mix the chicken and veggies back into the sauce.
7. SERVE. Serve chicken fajita pasta hot, garnished with your favorite fajitas toppings.
Tips For the Best Chicken Fajita Pasta
Your family will be begging for seconds (and maybe even thirds!) after you try this recipe.
The creamy sauce, melty cheese, and kick of heat from the Ro-Tel tomatoes is an unbeatable combo.
But before you get cooking, check out these tips:
- Marinate the chicken: A quick blend of fajita seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice for at least 15 minutes will significantly boost the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Room temperature liquids: Ensure that the chicken broth and cream are at room temperature before adding them to the skillet to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Butterfly the chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts before slicing them into strips to ensure they cook more evenly and quickly.
- Control the spice level: Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning or add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes if you prefer a spicier dish. I love poblano peppers, so use those if you can find them!
- Variations: Try different types of pasta, swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, substitute or add other vegetables, or add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Serving suggestions: Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance out the meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro and toppings such as sour cream or avocado for added texture and flavor.
How to Store
This one-skillet wonder comes together in no time! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something comforting and delicious.
Better yet, it stores well, too!
To Store: Transfer cold leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
To Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, reheat portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated.
Note: I don’t recommend freezing chicken fajita pasta because the pasta can become mushy, and the vegetables may lose their crispness upon thawing.
More Family-Friendly Pasta Dinners
Rotel Pasta
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
French Onion Pasta
Spinach Artichoke Pasta
Chicken Fajita Pasta
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes577
kcalThis one-pot chicken fajita pasta combines tender chicken, charred veggies, and creamy sauce for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1 packet (3 tablespoons) fajita or taco seasoning, divided
1 large onion, sliced
2-3 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces penne pasta
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese, optional
Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges
Instructions
- Slice and pat dry the chicken, then coat with half of the fajita seasoning.
- Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add the onion, bell peppers, and the remaining fajita seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are slightly charred and tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, remove the veggies to the same plate as the chicken.
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the pasta. Cover the pot and simmer, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.
- If using, add the cheese in small handfuls, stirring well after each addition until it’s melted. Then, mix the chicken and veggies into the skillet until well coated in the sauce.
- Serve chicken fajita pasta hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate the Chicken: A quick blend of fajita seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice for at least 15 minutes will significantly boost the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Room Temperature Liquids: Ensure that the chicken broth and cream are at room temperature before adding them to the skillet to avoid curdling the sauce.
