Enjoy a delightful fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines with this Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe. This dish combines the bold flavors of chicken fajitas with the comforting appeal of pasta, resulting in a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Fajita Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-1: Prepare the Fajita Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
-2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Place the sliced chicken breasts in a large bowl. Sprinkle half of the fajita seasoning over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced red onion.
- Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning over the vegetables. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
-4: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce
- Add Liquids: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the Chicken Back: Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the pasta and stir to incorporate.
- Garnish: Top with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken Fajita Pasta!
Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more cayenne or include sliced jalapeños.
- Pasta Choice: Penne works well, but you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta shape.
- Cheese Variations: Try using Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese for different flavor profiles.
For more creamy and indulgent pasta ideas, try our Pasta Con Broccoli Recipe. If you’re looking for another chicken-based pasta dish, explore our Chicken and Italian Sausage Recipes with Pasta. For a healthy twist, don’t miss our High-Protein Pasta Recipes. Need a quick fix? Check out our Pasta and Peas Recipe. Pair your pasta with the bold flavors of our Chicken and Peppers Recipe. Finally, complete your meal with a refreshing Bow Tie Pasta Salad.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe offers a delightful and easy way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of fajitas in a comforting pasta dish. It’s a perfect meal for those who love a bit of spice and a lot of flavor. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a hearty dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Happy cooking!