If you love bold Tex-Mex flavors and creamy pasta dishes, you are going to adore this Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe. It perfectly blends tender pieces of seasoned chicken with sautéed peppers and onions, all tossed in a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings to every twist of rotini. This dish brings the vibrant, smoky, and spicy notes of classic chicken fajitas into an easy, comforting pasta dinner that your whole family will rave about. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that combines convenience with incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe shines with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each component adds to the symphony of flavors and textures, from the tender chicken bites to the colorful bell peppers and the creamy, cheesy sauce that wraps it all together.
- 8 ounces dry rotini pasta: A great choice for holding onto the sauce with its corkscrew shape.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth base for cooking the chicken and veggies with rich flavor.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning: The star spice blend that brings smoky, spicy, and herbaceous notes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For balancing and enhancing all the ingredients.
- ½ onion: Sliced thinly to add sweetness and texture.
- 2 bell peppers (any color): Sliced and responsible for the dish’s vibrant crunch and color.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse a lovely aromatic depth.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Helps create a flavorful sauce base.
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy freshness and moisture.
- 4 ounces diced green chiles: Bring a mild heat and extra dimension.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Offers a rich, velvety finish that smooths the flavors together.
- 1½ cups freshly shredded pepper jack cheese: Melts wonderfully, adding creaminess and a little kick.
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and color; reserve extra for garnish.
- Sour cream: Perfect for topping with cooling creaminess.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Lime wedges: For a spritz of citrusy brightness that wakes up the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente — tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, then return it to the pot, ready for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces. Season them with 1 tablespoon of the fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are no longer pink in the center. This step builds the base flavor with perfectly seasoned and browned chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 6 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize, stirring frequently. Sprinkle in the remaining fajita seasoning and toss to evenly coat all the ingredients with that wonderful fajita flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds richness and complexity to the sauce. Then stir in the diced tomatoes, green chiles, and heavy cream. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce can start to thicken just slightly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the simmering sauce mixture to the cooked pasta in your pot. Toss everything together carefully to coat every piece of rotini in that creamy, spicy, veggie-packed goodness.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Mix in the shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheeses and stir until fully melted and creamy. Let the pasta rest for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the pasta beautifully. This is where all the flavors harmonize into a luscious, indulgent dish.
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
This dish is practically begging for sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, and extra shredded cheddar on top. These garnishes add a cooling contrast, fresh herbal brightness, and a little extra cheesiness that makes each bite extraordinary. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime to brighten the whole plate.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe alongside a light green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. If you want to keep things classic, a simple side of Mexican rice or black beans will fit perfectly, making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider scooping the pasta into individual cast-iron skillets or colorful bowls for a fiesta-style presentation that’s inviting and fun. You can also add diced avocado for a creamy, buttery texture or top with crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch. This pasta is wonderfully versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day, perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Freezing this pasta is possible but best done without the cheeses added, as they can change texture after thawing. Freeze the cooked chicken, veggies, and sauce mixture separately. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat gently, then stir in fresh cheese before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding onto the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle would work wonderfully as well. Just choose a shape that traps sauce in its crevices for the best flavor in every bite.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or extra bell peppers and onions. The fajita seasoning and creamy sauce provide such robust flavor that this dish remains delicious without meat.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken. Coconut milk could work for a dairy-free twist but will add a subtle coconut flavor that changes the dish slightly.
How spicy is this Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe?
The heat level depends mostly on your fajita seasoning and the diced green chiles used. You can adjust the amount of seasoning or use mild chiles to keep it family-friendly. For more kick, add extra spicy peppers or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and melt the cheese just before serving. Keeping components prepared in advance makes hosting a breeze and lets you enjoy the party without kitchen stress.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is a wonderful way to bring exciting Tex-Mex flavors into a comforting, creamy pasta dish that anyone will love. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want big flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try soon, and I promise it will become one of your family’s new favorites to make again and again.
Print
Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Chicken Fajita Pasta is a flavorful fusion dish combining the bold spices of fajitas with creamy pasta. Tender pieces of chicken breast are sautéed with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning, then tossed with rotini pasta, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and a luscious cheese and cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers big on taste and comfort.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces dry rotini pasta (½ box)
Chicken & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (divided)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ½ onion (sliced)
- 2 bell peppers (any color, sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce & Cheese
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 4 ounces diced green chiles (1 can)
- ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1½ cups freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for garnish)
Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta to al dente according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop cooking. Return the pasta to the empty pot to keep it ready for the sauce.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle in the remaining fajita seasoning and stir well to coat the chicken and veggies evenly.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and use a spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This adds flavor to the sauce.
- Add Tomatoes, Chiles & Cream: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, and room-temperature heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced. Then pour this flavorful sauce into the pot with the cooked pasta and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Add Cheese & Thicken: Stir in the shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely into a creamy sauce. Allow the pasta to thicken and absorb the sauce for about 10 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with dollops of sour cream, extra shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy chicken fajita pasta!
Notes
- To make your own fajita seasoning, combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Use any color bell peppers or a mix for a vibrant dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent drying out.
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
