Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta

Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta

Let me tell you about a dish that has become a staple in my home: Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta. This recipe came to life one evening after a long day when I craved something quick yet flavorful. I rummaged through my pantry and fridge, and the vibrant colors of bell peppers and the enticing aroma of spices caught my attention. As I tossed the ingredients together, memories of family gatherings filled my mind, where laughter echoed over shared meals. The beauty of this dish is that it captures the essence of traditional fajitas but serves it up in a comforting pasta form. It’s a delightful twist that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Difficulty:
Easy
Calories:
490 kcal
Protein:
29 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
20 g
Tools Used:
Cutting Board, Large Pot, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon

In our busy lives, simplicity is key, and this dish embraces that philosophy. The best part? It’s a one-skillet wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend meal, Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta fits perfectly. I’ve even served it to guests, and trust me, they were thoroughly impressed! The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist. You’ll find yourself making it over and over again, just as I do.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Difficulty:
Easy
Calories:
490 kcal
Protein:
29 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
20 g
Tools Used:
Cutting Board, Large Pot, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if needed, then toss it with the cooked pasta. This is a great way to save time on busy nights!

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it with tortilla chips and salsa for a fun crunch. If you want to keep it light, a refreshing cucumber salad or grilled corn on the cob makes for a perfect accompaniment!

Yes! You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, or even go meatless with some hearty beans or tofu. If you’re using a different protein, just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly!

Definitely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add in more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans for protein. This way, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of the dish without the meat!

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a delightful dish that perfectly marries the flavors of classic fajitas with the comforting goodness of pasta. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that you’ll want to share with family and friends. I encourage you to try it out; it might just become a new favorite in your household!

Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta

Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta brings a burst of flavor to your table. Creamy, zesty, and satisfying, this dish combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and al dente pasta in a delightful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it's an easy weeknight dinner that you’ll want to make tonight!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion sliced or chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (assorted colors) sliced or chopped
  • 1 10 fluid ounce can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies with juices
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1 ounce packet Old El Paso Fajita Seasoning see note
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1.5 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie works)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Cutting Board
  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to starting the recipe so it has a chance to soften up. You can also microwave it for 20 seconds or so.
  2. Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
  3. Meanwhile, add the oil to a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion and peppers for about 5 minutes, stirring fairly often. I like the veggies tender-crisp, but you can cook them for a bit longer if you wish.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the Rotel, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and cream cheese. The cornstarch in the fajita seasoning will thicken the sauce quickly. Stir until the cream cheese has dissolved.
  5. Add the cooked chicken in and let it warm through. If the sauce gets too thick, you can always thin it out with some of the hot pasta water prior to draining it.
  6. Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce. Season with salt & pepper if needed and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Tip 1: The fajita mix I used contains cornstarch, which helps thicken up the sauce. If your fajita mix doesn't contain any cornstarch or you're using individual spices, I would add in 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch (make a slurry with 1 teaspoon water) to get a similar consistency OR drain the Rotel and cook it for a bit longer so the sauce reduces more.
  • Tip 2: Philadelphia cream cheese has a handy measuring guide right in the box it comes in so you can easily measure the 1/4 cup.
  • Tip 3: Original Rotel can be quite spicy, so use mild if needed.
  • Tip 4: Use low sodium chicken broth if sensitive to salt.

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