Chicken Fajita Pasta is a fun twist on traditional pasta! It combines juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and tasty spices all in one delicious dish.
It’s quick and super easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top for that extra yum factor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds the sauce nicely. If you don’t have penne, swap it for bowtie pasta or fusilli for a fun twist.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here, but you can use thighs for juiciness. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu instead!
Bell Peppers: The colorful blend adds sweetness. If you’re missing one color, just use more of the others. Zucchini or mushrooms can work in a pinch too!
Spices: The mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin gives the dish its fajita flavor. If you want less heat, skip the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount.
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich sauce. You can replace it with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, respectively.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken right ensures it’s juicy and flavorful. Here’s how:
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the chicken will steam instead of brown.
- Season the chicken before cooking. It helps enhance the flavor.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. If in doubt, cut into one piece to check.
Rest the chicken for a couple of minutes after cooking; it helps keep the juices in when you mix it back in with the pasta!
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. This will be our flavor booster!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle half of the seasoning mix over them. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and fully cooked through, for about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Next, toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sprinkle the rest of the seasoning mix on top, and sauté the vegetables until they’re tender and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-6 minutes.
5. Add the Tomatoes:
Now, add the diced tomatoes to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
6. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well to create a deliciously creamy sauce.
7. Combine All Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy fajita sauce.
8. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’d like, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your Chicken Fajita Pasta with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Fajita Pasta! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option for added fiber and nutrients. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may take a minute or two longer than regular pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or full-fat Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk for a creamy consistency. Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that works well too!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, corn, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly so they don’t become overcooked!
