Chicken Fajita Pasta

If you’re looking for a deliciously satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of fajitas with the comforting goodness of pasta, you’ve come to the right place! This Chicken Fajita Pasta is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means you’ll be enjoying your meal in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Fajita Pasta is not just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor-packed experience! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

– One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
– Flavorful: The combination of spices and fresh veggies brings a fiesta to your plate.
– Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredient quantities to suit your taste.
– Quick and Easy: Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

The Ingredient Lineup

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Chicken Fajita Pasta shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves or tenders
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 whole onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (again for added flavor)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 ounces penne pasta, regular or whole wheat
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Salsa and sour cream, for topping, if desired

Recommended Tools

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, here are some tools that will come in handy:

• Large pot or dutch oven: Perfect for cooking everything in one go.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping your veggies and chicken.
• Cutting board: Protects your counters and provides a stable cutting surface.

Chicken Fajita Pasta, Made Easy

Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delectable Chicken Fajita Pasta.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot or dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add another 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Once the sauce is simmering, add the penne pasta and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well and let it cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything

While the pasta is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta has finished cooking, stir the chicken back into the pot. Mix everything well to ensure the chicken and pasta are evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Chicken Fajita Pasta hot, topped with salsa and sour cream if desired. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Holiday & Seasonal Touches

This Chicken Fajita Pasta can be easily adapted for seasonal celebrations or holidays. Here are some ideas:

• Spring: Add in some fresh asparagus or peas for a pop of color and freshness.
• Summer: Incorporate grilled corn or zucchini to enhance the summer vibes.
• Fall: Mix in some roasted butternut squash for a lovely autumn flavor.
• Winter: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for a vibrant touch.

What I Learned Testing

During my testing of this Chicken Fajita Pasta, I discovered a few things that made the process even better:

• Marinating the chicken really enhances the flavor, so don’t skip that step!
• Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish, allowing the spices to shine.
• Fresh veggies not only add flavor but also bring a beautiful color to the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To keep your Chicken Fajita Pasta fresh and enjoyable, consider these tips:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
• For meal prep, cook the chicken and pasta separately, and combine them with the sauce when ready to eat.
• You can freeze the pasta dish for up to 2 months; just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Troubleshooting Q&A

What if my chicken is dry?

To prevent dry chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Also, marinating helps keep the chicken juicy!

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, add diced jalapeños to the veggies, or include some red pepper flakes in the seasoning mix. Adjust to your preference!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be mindful of cooking times.

What can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef strips, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Quick Weeknight Wins

Looking for more quick and easy recipes? Check out these links:

• Quick Beef Tacos
• 30-Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry
• Easy Vegetable Soup
• Spicy Chicken Salad

Wrap-Up

In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delightful Chicken Fajita Pasta that’s bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy Tuesday or serving it for a special occasion, it will undoubtedly become a favorite for family and friends alike. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the cooking begin!

Chicken Fajita Pasta

This Chicken Fajita Pasta is a one-pot wonder! A flavor-packed dish with tender chicken and vibrant veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons oil vegetable or canola oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1-2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pinch salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves or tenders
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 whole onion chopped
• 1 green bell pepper green bell pepper chopped
• 1 red bell pepper red bell pepper chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic minced (again for added flavor)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes undrained
• 8 ounces penne pasta regular or whole wheat
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Salsa and sour cream for topping, if desired

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a large pot or dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add another 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Once the sauce is simmering, add the penne pasta and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well and let it cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
6. While the pasta is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta has finished cooking, stir the chicken back into the pot. Mix everything well to ensure the chicken and pasta are evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Serve your Chicken Fajita Pasta hot, topped with salsa and sour cream if desired. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Notes

• Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor significantly.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
• Fresh veggies add not just flavor but also a beautiful color to the dish.
• For extra spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.