Sizzling Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors

Creamy, zesty chicken fajita pasta brings the sizzle of a Tex-Mex favorite right to your dinner table.

Tender chicken strips dance with colorful bell peppers in a rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

The blend of spices creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen with excitement.

Perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor, this dish combines the best of two culinary worlds.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of creamy pasta and bold fajita-style ingredients.

The recipe transforms a classic comfort meal into an extraordinary dinner experience.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible fusion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fajita Pasta Flavor Boosters

• Stir continuously when adding milk and pasta to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping at the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin to suit your heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Use whole milk for a creamier sauce, or substitute with half-and-half for extra richness.
• Test pasta texture by tasting a piece to ensure it's perfectly tender before removing from heat.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.

Tasty Pasta Twists & Mix-Ins

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans, keeping the same spice blend for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap penne with gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free adaptation.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of smoked paprika for an extra kick of heat and complexity.

Plating Fajita Pasta For Dinner

• Mexican Fiesta Plate: Serve the pasta on colorful ceramic plates with a vibrant side of fresh salsa and sliced avocado for an authentic southwestern touch.
• Topping Paradise: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to add extra layers of flavor and texture to the creamy pasta.
• Spice It Up: Offer hot sauce or jalapeño slices on the side for guests who love an extra kick of heat with their chicken fajita pasta.
• Quick Family Meal: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to create a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Storage For Leftover Fajita Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk to restore moisture, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to prevent drying, stirring gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, label with date, and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop method.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this pasta its fajita flavor?

The chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder create the classic fajita seasoning that transforms this pasta from ordinary to exciting, mimicking the traditional Mexican-inspired flavors.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or rigatoni that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder, but you can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and quickly finish the pasta when ready to serve, which makes it convenient for busy weeknight meals.

Chicken Fajita Pasta: Sizzling Skillet Comfort

• Whip up a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor in just one pot.
• Adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste preferences, making this dish perfect for picky eaters or adventurous foodies.
• Combines the heartiness of chicken with the creamy goodness of cheese, creating a filling and nutritious meal that keeps you satisfied.
• Blends the beloved flavors of fajitas with classic pasta, offering a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Fajita Pasta Must-Haves

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the pasta dish.

• Bell Peppers, Onion: These colorful vegetables add a sweet and slightly sharp flavor to the dish while providing essential nutrients.

• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder: These spices create a classic fajita flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the chicken and pasta.

• Penne: A tubular pasta that perfectly captures the creamy sauce and holds the flavors of the dish.

• Milk, Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and brings all the flavors together.

• Oil: Provides a medium for cooking the chicken and vegetables, helping to develop deep, caramelized flavors.

Tools For Sizzling Pasta Nights

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the entire dish, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing bell peppers and onions.
• Sharp knife: For chopping vegetables precisely.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Measuring cup: Helps measure milk correctly.
• Colander: Optional, useful for draining pasta if needed.

Steps To Sizzling Chicken Fajita Pasta

Step 1: Fire Up The Skillet

Grab a large pot and crank the heat to high.

Pour in some cooking oil, letting it warm up and shimmer with potential.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Toss in the chicken pieces and let them dance in the hot oil.

Cook until they transform from pink to a golden, fully-cooked state, about 5-6 minutes.

Once done, scoop out the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Bring On The Vegetables

Introduce colorful bell peppers and chopped onions to the same pot.

Let them soften and become tender, with onions turning translucent and slightly caramelized, roughly 6 minutes.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder

Stir everything together so each piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Base

Pour in milk and add penne pasta.

Keep stirring to prevent any sneaky pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Step 6: Simmer And Transform

Let the pasta bubble away for about 20 minutes.

Watch as the milk reduces and creates a luscious, clingy sauce that hugs each pasta piece.

Step 7: Cheese Please

Sprinkle in cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth, dreamy finish.

Step 8: Dish It Out

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Enjoy your flavor-packed chicken fajita pasta!

Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken fajita pasta blends Mexican and Italian cuisines in one comforting dish. Spicy peppers, tender chicken, and al dente pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 3 chicken breasts, sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

Pasta and Dairy:

• 4 cups (400 g) penne pasta
• 5 cups (1.4 L) milk
• 1 cup (100 g) pepper jack cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. In the same pot, sauté bell peppers and onions until vegetables soften and onions become translucent, around 6 minutes.
4. Return chicken to the pot and sprinkle with spices: salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Toss quickly to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Pour milk into the pot and add penne pasta, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches al dente texture and sauce thickens naturally.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce.
8. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to settle, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Choose a wide, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
• Keep stirring pasta frequently to avoid sticking and achieve creamy, consistent sauce texture.
• Consider using low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version of this dish.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra spiciness.

• Prep Time: 11 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 740
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg