Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

Let’s talk about the ultimate dinner win: a creamy chicken fajita pasta that brings together the bold flavors of fajita spice and the comforting hug of cheesy pasta—all in one skillet!

I love combining the vibrant flavors of fajitas with the comfort of pasta in my Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe. Sizzling strips of boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with bold fajita seasoning mingle with colorful bell peppers and onions.

Paired with penne pasta and finished with a luscious blend of diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar, this dish is a delightful source of protein, vitamins, and calcium. Garnished with fresh cilantro and paired with lime wedges, it’s both a hearty and refreshing meal I think you’ll enjoy.

Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source, builds muscle, low in fat.
• Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C, adds sweetness, colorful and vibrant.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system, aromatic, offers savory depth.
• Penne Pasta: Carbohydrate energy source, complements creamy sauces.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness, creates creamy texture, enhances flavor profile.
• Cilantro: Fresh, aromatic herb for garnish, adds a citrusy note.

Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

How to Make this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

1. In a large pot, cook penne pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, season with fajita seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté bell peppers and onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.

6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

10. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the pasta. Enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander (for draining pasta)
3. Large skillet
4. Stirring spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cups

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta you prefer, such as rigatoni or fusilli.
• What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little cornstarch as a lighter option.
• Is it necessary to use all three colors of bell peppers? While it adds color and flavor variety, you can use any combination of bell peppers available to you.
• Can I make this recipe spicier? To add more heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can this be made gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: substitute with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: substitute with turkey breast or tofu for a vegetarian option
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning: substitute with a mix of chili powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper
• 12 ounces penne pasta: substitute with any other short pasta such as fusilli or rigatoni
• 1 cup heavy cream: substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken Before cooking, marinate the chicken strips in the fajita seasoning and a little olive oil for at least 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and ensure the chicken is tender and juicy.

2. Char the Veggies For added flavor, cook the bell peppers and onion over high heat briefly to get a slight char before sautéing. This will bring out a smoky, grilled flavor that’s perfect for fajita dishes.

3. Creamy Consistency To achieve a perfectly creamy sauce, ensure that the heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This helps it incorporate smoothly without curdling.

4. Cheese Tip Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce while continuously stirring. This prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures it melts evenly into the sauce.

5. Rest the Dish After combining the pasta with the sauce, let it sit off the heat for a few minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.