Get ready for your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe brings together tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce with amazing Tex-Mex flavors.
Tex-Mex cuisine has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the 19th century along the Rio Grande. It is incredibly easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. Perfect for busy parents and beginners, this dish is guaranteed to become a family staple.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Pasta
- Quick & Easy Preparation: From start to finish, you can have this amazing Chicken Fajita Pasta on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The mild spice and creamy texture appeal to everyone, even picky eaters. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy Tex-Mex comfort food.
- Budget-Conscious Ingredients: Using common pantry staples and affordable chicken breast, this recipe is kind to your wallet without sacrificing taste.
- Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the cayenne pepper to make this creamy fajita pasta dish as mild or as spicy as your family prefers.
- Satisfying Creamy Texture: The melted cream cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken beautifully.
Ingredients
Whipping up this delicious Chicken Fajita Pasta is simple with a few basic ingredients. You likely have most of these spices on hand already! This recipe combines a flavorful homemade fajita seasoning with fresh chicken and vegetables to create a truly irresistible meal.
FAJITA SPICE MIX
- 2 tsp chili powder: For a foundational Tex-Mex flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a rich, smoky depth.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory notes.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Aromatic and essential.
- 1/4 tsp cumin: Classic earthy, warm spice.
- 1/8 tsp cayenne: Provides a touch of heat.
- 1/2 tsp sugar: Balances the spices and acidity.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning.
CHICKEN PASTA
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil works great.
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast: Cubed for quick cooking.
- 1 green bell pepper: Diced, adds freshness and crunch.
- 1 yellow onion: Diced, for aromatic sweetness.
- 15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds depth and a subtle smoky taste.
- 4 oz cream cheese: Softened, for the creamy sauce.
- 8 oz dried pasta: Any short shape like penne or rotini.
- 2 green onions: Sliced, for garnish and a fresh bite.
Notes & Substitutions
- Chili powder varieties can vary in heat; use a mild one if you are sensitive to spice, and save the cayenne for a heat kick.
- For the chicken, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or even ground chicken or turkey for a different texture.
- Try adding red or yellow bell peppers for more color and a sweeter flavor profile. If you do not have cream cheese, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can provide a similar tang and creaminess, or a splash of heavy cream will enrich the sauce.
- For ultimate convenience, swap the individual spices for a pre-made fajita seasoning packet to speed up this hearty chicken pasta dish.
Instructions For Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta at home. This beginner-friendly guide ensures perfect results every time.
- Prepare spices & produce: Start by combining all the spices for the fajita spice mix in a small bowl; set this aside. Next, dice your yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil on your stovetop. Once the water is boiling, add the dried pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually 7-10 minutes, until it is tender yet still firm to the bite (al dente). Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly in a colander and set it aside for later.
- Sauté chicken: While your pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken pieces to the skillet along with your prepared fajita spice mix. Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through and has developed a nice, light brown crust. Transfer the cooked chicken from the skillet to a clean bowl and set it aside.
- Cook vegetables & sauce: Add the onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Continue to sauté them over medium heat, stirring often, just until they begin to soften slightly on the edges and show a little brown color, about 3-5 minutes. Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your meal.
- Next, pour in the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, including their juices, and add the cream cheese. Stir the mixture continuously over medium heat. Keep stirring until the cream cheese completely melts into the tomatoes and vegetables, forming a smooth, creamy, and wonderfully aromatic sauce. This creamy base is what makes our Chicken Fajita Pasta so special.
- Combine & serve: Finally, return the cooked and drained pasta and the sautéed chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the rich, creamy fajita sauce. Spoon the pasta into bowls, then garnish each serving with freshly sliced green onions and serve this easy fajita pasta recipe immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
One-Pot Method: For even less cleanup, consider a one-pot approach. After cooking the chicken and vegetables, add 3-4 cups of chicken broth to the skillet along with the dry pasta. Simmer until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, then stir in the cream cheese. This creates a slightly different but equally delicious fajita-inspired pasta.
Vegetarian Option: Easily transform this dish by substituting the chicken with other proteins. Sauté sliced mushrooms, canned black beans, or crumbled tempeh for a hearty vegetarian version.
Pan Size: Always use a large enough skillet, ideally a 12-inch one. This ensures even cooking for your chicken and vegetables and provides enough space to mix everything without spilling.
Adjusting Spice: To increase the heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. For a milder dish, simply omit the cayenne entirely from the spice mix.
Thickening Sauce: If your creamy sauce seems too thin, you can easily thicken it. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Alternatively, stir in 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend until melted for extra richness.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Chicken Fajita Pasta with some delicious toppings and sides. Sprinkle extra shredded Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese over individual servings for a melty finish. A dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a wonderful creamy contrast. For a tangy crunch, add some vibrant pickled red onions. Pair this hearty meal with a fresh side salad or some homemade street corn for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Fajita Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave; simply warm it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. We advise against freezing this pasta, as the creamy sauce can separate and the pasta texture may become mushy upon thawing.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Chicken Fajita Pasta. Instead of chicken, try ground beef or pork for a different flavor profile. Add other ingredients like canned corn, black beans, or even some diced zucchini during the vegetable sauté stage for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as farfalle or rotini, to change the texture of this versatile fajita pasta meal.
Nutrition
This estimated nutrition information for one serving of Chicken Fajita Pasta helps you track your intake. It provides a balanced meal with good protein and carbohydrates.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 490 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Sodium | 666 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in one pot?
Yes, you certainly can! Refer to our Pro Tips section for a brief description of how to adapt this Chicken Fajita Pasta for a convenient one-pot preparation.
What pasta shapes work best?
Any short pasta shape works wonderfully. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni are excellent choices for holding the creamy sauce.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced zucchini, a handful of corn kernels, or other colored bell peppers to enhance the dish. Experiment with what you have on hand.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights. It combines robust Tex-Mex flavors with a comforting creamy sauce and tender chicken, all in one easy-to-make dish.
We love how simple it is to prepare, yet it delivers such a satisfying and delicious meal for the whole family. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy quick, homemade goodness!
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne, sugar, and salt to create the fajita spice mix. Set aside.
- Dice the onion and bell pepper. Cut chicken breast into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions (7–10 minutes), then drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and fajita spice mix. Cook until chicken is browned and fully cooked, then remove to a bowl.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–5 minutes until slightly browned.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices and cream cheese to skillet. Stir over medium heat until the cream cheese melts and a smooth sauce forms.
- Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir until well combined and everything is coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
