If ever there’s a dish designed for weeknights that also feels a touch special, it has to be this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe. Imagine all the vibrant flavors of your favorite fajitas—juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, and plenty of warm spices—tangled with tender pasta and wrapped in the silkiest, richest sauce. It’s somehow both comforting and exciting, making every bite a Tex-Mex inspired celebration that begs to be shared around the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Incredible meals start with simple, quality ingredients—and this pasta is no exception. Each component brings flavor, color, and texture, ensuring that every bowl is as delicious as it is beautiful. Here’s what you’ll need and why it counts:
- Olive oil: The perfect starter for sautéing, it helps everything meld together with a subtle, savory richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Their tender, lean texture stands up perfectly to the bold fajita spices and creamy sauce.
- Fajita seasoning: This is your shortcut to Tex-Mex flavor—smoky, zesty, and totally crave-worthy.
- Red and green bell peppers: These add sweetness, crunch, and gorgeous color that makes the dish pop.
- Yellow onion: Its natural sweetness rounds out the savory flavors and brings everything together.
- Garlic: A must-have for depth—be sure to mince it fresh, if you can, for the best flavor.
- Penne or fettuccine pasta: The sauce clings beautifully to these shapes, so pick your favorite and get cooking.
- Heavy cream: This is the secret to that luscious, velvety sauce everyone will love.
- Chicken broth: It lightens the cream and infuses even more savory flavor into every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it gives the sauce body and an irresistible cheesy finish.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t skip seasoning—taste as you go to make sure every component sings.
- Chopped cilantro or parsley: Just a sprinkle wakes up all the flavors and adds vibrant freshness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, then cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s perfectly tender, drain and set aside; you want the pasta ready to swoop into the sauce later, soaking up all those bold fajita flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken strips with half of the fajita seasoning so every bite gets a punch of that signature smoky spice. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and glowing with color. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one more minute, infusing the pan with irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, the rest of your fajita seasoning, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken slightly and turn silky—this is where the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe earns its name!
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss so every noodle is coated in the lush, flavorful sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve piping hot, with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley right on top.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A vibrant finish makes all the difference! I love showering the top with chopped cilantro (or parsley if that’s your preference). For extra flair, a dusting of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime adds an unexpected zing that brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is hearty enough to fly solo, but you could absolutely pair it with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread to sop up every ounce of sauce. For a Tex-Mex spin, serve with buttery corn or a scoop of black bean salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching family dinner, serve the pasta family-style in a big, colorful bowl. Hosting friends? Twirl single servings into nests on each plate and top with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs. This dish also makes fabulous leftovers—try spooning it into oven-safe mugs, topping with cheese, and broiling for a quick pasta bake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for future dinners, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for about 2 months. For best texture, reheat gently and perhaps stir in a splash of cream or broth to restore its creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of milk, cream, or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine are ideal for clinging to the creamy sauce, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand—bowties, rotini, or even spaghetti all work beautifully in this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
You can substitute coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy milk (just choose something rich and unsweetened) for a dairy-free version. The sauce will be slightly lighter but still delicious and luscious.
Can I make this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for sliced mushrooms or even tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have an amazing vegetarian meal while keeping all that fajita-inspired flavor.
What’s the best way to add more heat?
For extra spice, simply sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños when sautéing the veggies. You can also use a spicy fajita seasoning blend if you like things with more kick!
How can I lighten up this pasta?
To make a lighter version of the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, use reduced-fat Parmesan, or add more veggies. You’ll still get tons of flavor but with a slightly lighter finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something universally crowd-pleasing about this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe—bold, creamy, and utterly satisfying. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your favorite go-to dinners. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!
Print
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect fusion of flavors with this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and savory seasonings come together in a rich and satisfying pasta dish that’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken strips with half of the fajita seasoning until golden, then set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return chicken to the skillet, add cream, broth, fajita seasoning, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Add cooked pasta, toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
