Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

Imagine all the bold, smoky, and creamy flavors of classic fajitas wrapped up in a one-pan pasta dream—say hello to Chicken Fajita Pasta! This dish brings together tender strips of seasoned chicken, a rainbow of sweet bell peppers, and a luxuriously cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s as easy as it is impressive, making it absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. If you’re craving comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist and plenty of colorful flair, this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great flavor starts with great basics! Every ingredient in Chicken Fajita Pasta plays its unique part, from adding color and crunch to creating that irresistible silky sauce. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus why each item matters:

• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and provides the perfect base for sautéing chicken and veggies.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced for quick cooking and juicy every time—these are the stars of your fajita-inspired pasta.
• Red, yellow, and green bell peppers: Bring a trio of vibrant colors and a gentle sweetness, just like classic fajitas.
• Yellow onion: Sliced thin; onions mellow as they sauté, adding a touch of sweetness and a savory backbone to the sauce.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning all the layers as you build flavor.
• Black pepper: A peppery kick brings depth to both the chicken and sauce.
• Chili powder: The signature seasoning for that Tex-Mex warmth and subtle smokiness.
• Cumin: Earthy, bold, and crucial for classic fajita flavor.
• Brown sugar: Just a bit balances the spices and deepens the overall taste.
• Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic brightness—fresh garlic makes all the difference here!
• Milk: The pasta cooks directly in milk, creating a creamy, comforting sauce without extra fuss.
• Farfalle pasta: Bow-tie pasta’s nooks and crannies catch the sauce and little bits of chicken with every bite.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, adding sharpness and a gorgeous cheesy finish.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it sizzles, lay in your chicken slices in an even layer for even cooking. Let the chicken brown on one side before turning—a golden sear means maximum flavor. After 5 to 6 minutes, when the pieces are cooked through and deliciously bronzed, scoop them out onto a plate. Keep the buttery goodness in the pan—it’s about to become the foundation for the rest of your dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onion

Now toss all your sliced bell peppers and onion into the same skillet. Stir them around and let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. The peppers will turn irresistibly soft and sweet, while the onions lose their sharp edge and go beautifully translucent. Stir often and enjoy that burst of color—it’s already starting to look like a fiesta!

Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Return the chicken to the party in your pan. Now sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Stir everything so the chicken and veggies are coated in a flavorful “fajita” blanket. This is where the kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing, and you’ll know you’re on the home stretch.

Step 4: Cook Pasta and Make the Sauce

Pour in the milk and the uncooked farfalle pasta. Turn up the heat just until everything starts to bubble, then reduce it to medium. Let it simmer gently for around 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. As the pasta softens, the milk will reduce into a naturally creamy sauce that’s loaded with the essence of all those spices. It’s truly one-pot magic—no need to drain or fuss.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Once your pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle the cheddar cheese right over the top. Give it a good stir until every strand of pasta is coated in cheesy richness and all the chicken and veggies are enveloped in that dreamy sauce. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add an extra sprinkle on top before serving!

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Spoon the Chicken Fajita Pasta into your favorite bowls or plates, while it’s still piping hot. Each serving will have bites of juicy chicken, a rainbow of peppers, and perfectly coated pasta. Tuck in right away for the best texture and flavor!

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Pasta

Garnishes

Nothing beats topping your Chicken Fajita Pasta with fresh, vibrant garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro brings a pop of color and herbal flair, while a handful of sliced green onions adds a subtle bite. If you like a spicy kick, a few jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce make each bite truly irresistible. For creaminess, don’t be shy about dolloping some sour cream or scattering crumbled queso fresco over the top.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple mixed greens salad tossed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Warm, soft tortillas or garlicky Texas toast are also fantastic alongside, perfect for scooping up extra sauce. For something refreshing, try serving with a side of corn salsa or black beans.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Chicken Fajita Pasta family-style in a big, shallow platter sprinkled with extra cheese and herbs right before you bring it to the table. Hosting a party? Offer toppings like avocado cubes, fresh tomatoes, or crispy tortilla strips so everyone can customize their bowl. Leftovers also make a fantastic packed lunch—just reheat and top with your favorite fresh garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Chicken Fajita Pasta into an airtight container once it’s cooled and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers especially delicious for lunch the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, Chicken Fajita Pasta can be frozen! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will still shine.

Reheating

To reheat, place your leftovers in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of milk to refresh the creamy sauce. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is hot and smooth again. If you’re short on time, microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle’s shape is excellent for holding onto sauce, penne, rotini, or even classic spaghetti work just as well. Simply adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.

Is there a way to make Chicken Fajita Pasta spicier?

Definitely. Feel free to toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes with the other spices. You can also add sliced jalapeños to the veggie mix for an extra kick, or finish with your favorite hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil, use an unsweetened non-dairy milk (like oat or almond), and swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative. The result is still creamy and packed with that beloved fajita flavor.

What’s the best way to prep Chicken Fajita Pasta ahead?

If you want to save time later, slice the chicken, peppers, and onions in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, everything will be ready to toss straight in the pan!

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Of course! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works beautifully. Just skip the first step and add your cooked chicken during the seasoning stage so it warms and absorbs all the flavors.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Fajita Pasta is the kind of comforting, colorful meal that always gets everyone excited for dinner. It’s easy to make, bursting with bold flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser any night of the week. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every cheesy, satisfying bite!

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