Chicken Fajita Pasta
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Chicken Fajita Pasta combines the zesty flavors of fajitas with the comfort of pasta. It’s a one-pan dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy sauce, making it a hearty meal for the whole family. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
How to make Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add bell pepper and onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
How to serve Chicken Fajita Pasta
Serve your Chicken Fajita Pasta warm, garnished with fresh cilantro. You can enjoy it as is or with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal. It’s also great with a sprinkle of lime juice for an extra zesty flavor.
How to store Chicken Fajita Pasta
To store leftover Chicken Fajita Pasta, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Tips to make Chicken Fajita Pasta
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables, such as zucchini or corn.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting chicken with black beans or extra bell peppers and mushrooms.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any pasta shape will work for this recipe. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti can be used.
2. Is there a dairy-free option?
For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, simply combine everything and heat it up.
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz 8 oz pasta Any pasta shape can be used such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
Chicken
- 1 lb 1 lb chicken breast, sliced Cut into thin slices for even cooking.
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper 1 bell pepper, sliced Use any color of bell pepper.
- 1 onion 1 onion, sliced Yellow or red onions work well.
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust based on desired spice level.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can use dairy-free alternative.
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish Add just before serving.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
Adding Vegetables
- Add bell pepper and onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Combining
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
