This Fajita Pasta is a fun twist on classic fajitas, bringing together tasty chicken, colorful peppers, and pasta in one delicious dish. It’s hearty and full of flavor!
If you love quick dinners, this is for you! I enjoy adding a sprinkle of cheese on top and digging in right away. Who says pasta can’t be zesty? 🌶️🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish uses penne, but any tubular pasta like rigatoni or ziti works great too. If you’re gluten-free, consider using gluten-free pasta which has become quite tasty these days!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here, but you can substitute with turkey or even shrimp for a different twist. Tofu or beans can replace meat for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds color and sweetness. If you’re low on variety, any combination of peppers is fine! You can even use frozen bell peppers if that’s what you have on hand.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half or coconut milk can be used instead. Just be aware that coconut milk will add its own flavor to the dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds creaminess, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Lower-fat cheeses are also an option, but they might not melt as smoothly.
How Do You Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking the chicken perfectly is key for this recipe. To ensure it stays juicy, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Here’s how:
- Heat the skillet on medium; add olive oil—this helps with browning.
- Season the chicken lightly before adding to the skillet; it flavors the meat as it cooks.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to achieve a nice brown color before stirring.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes. This keeps it tender!
Another tip? Using a meat thermometer can help you reach the perfect internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Make Fajita Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Chicken and Veggies:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Fajita Pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, boil water with a pinch of salt. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the sliced chicken. Season with half of the fajita seasoning, along with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Then remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes until they’re softened but still have a nice crunch. This adds a vibrant flavor and colorful touch to the dish!
4. Add Seasoning:
Now it’s time to boost the flavor! Add the minced garlic, remaining fajita seasoning, cumin, and a bit more salt to the veggies. Cook for another minute until everything smells amazing.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir occasionally to combine everything nicely.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Then, stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese melts and coats the pasta and ingredients with a creamy fajita sauce.
7. Final Touches:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you’d like a bit of spice, feel free to add more fajita seasoning!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Fajita Pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. For a pop of color and extra flavor, sprinkle a light dusting of smoked paprika on top. Enjoy your flavorful and creamy dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for this recipe, feel free to substitute with any other pasta shapes you like, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options!
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans. Just sauté them in the same way and enjoy a delicious veggie-packed version!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you’re looking for some heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dish. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
