This Chicken Fajita Pasta is a fun twist on traditional fajitas! It’s packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and spices, all mixed with pasta for a hearty meal.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that takes the best parts of fajitas and combines them with pasta? It’s like a fiesta on your plate! 🎉 I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe calls for penne, which holds sauce well. If you’re out, fusilli or farfalle are great alternatives. They’ll work just as nicely!
Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender and juicy option. If you’re vegetarian, try this with black beans or chickpeas instead.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add color and sweetness. Feel free to use yellow or orange ones as a substitute. For a different flavor, you could add roasted poblano peppers.
Spices: The spice blend brings the fajita flavor to life! If you want a milder version, reduce the cayenne or skip it. You can also use pre-made fajita seasoning if you have it on hand.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut milk. This will change the flavor a bit but still yield a creamy result.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky. Here’s my method:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding oil to make sure you get a nice sear.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the spice mix to enhance flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed. This ensures they brown nicely.
- Check for doneness with a thermometer—165°F (75°C) is perfect.
Following these tips will give you chicken that’s juicy and full of flavor, ready to join the pasta!
How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
For the Spice Mix:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Fajita Pasta will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick dish that bursts with flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re short on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix will add all the yummy flavor to your dish!
3. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken pieces and toss them in half of the spice mixture, making sure they are well coated.
4. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sprinkle with the rest of the spice mix and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
6. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Add Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheeses are melted and create a creamy sauce.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce and heated through.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
10. Serve:
Serve hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful and colorful Chicken Fajita Pasta!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Penne?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds extra fiber. The cooking time might be slightly different, so just follow the package instructions for the best results.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Yes! To add more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or even add diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers. Adjust to your spice preference!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. Just remember to sauté them until tender to maintain a nice texture in the dish!
