If you’re looking for a meal that brings together bold Tex-Mex flavor and comforting pasta in one steaming bowl, this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is pure weeknight magic. Imagine tender strips of chicken, colorful sautéed bell peppers, and a sauce so rich and creamy it hugs every twist of pasta. This dish is everything you want in comfort food: quick, robustly seasoned, and generously garnished with fresh cilantro and a bright touch of lime. It’s a favorite in my home and once you try it, I’m sure it’ll be yours too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is that its ingredient list is filled with straightforward, everyday items that transform into a festive, restaurant-worthy dish. Each ingredient plays its own special role, from the sweetness of bell peppers to that irresistible swirl of cheese and cream.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced thinly for quick, even cooking, they soak up all the delicious seasoning.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and sauté the veggies, adding richness right from the start.
- Red and green bell peppers: Their vibrant color and crisp-tender bite are classic fajita musts.
- Onion: Sliced thin, it brings sweet savoriness that melds beautifully with the peppers.
- Fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning): Packs the whole dish with smoky, spicy Tex-Mex flavor—homemade or store-bought both work!
- Garlic: Just a few minced cloves wake up the whole skillet with mouthwatering aroma.
- Pasta (penne or your favorite): Tubes or twists soak up every drop of creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Chicken broth: Lifts up the flavor of the sauce as it simmers, adding body and depth.
- Heavy cream: The secret to ultra-silky, luxurious sauce that clings to each bite.
- Sour cream: Brings a tangy brightness that balances every rich, spicy note.
- Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts into gooey, irresistible ribbons throughout the sauce.
- Salt & black pepper: Season to perfection and bring all the flavors together.
- Cilantro & lime wedges (for garnish): A burst of freshness and zesty finish, perfect for serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your choice of pasta (penne is a favorite here) and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well, set aside, and get ready to turn that pasta into something unforgettable.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Add the sliced chicken to the hot oil, and immediately sprinkle in your fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—don’t worry, it’ll return soon!
Step 3: Cook the Peppers and Onion
In the same skillet, add your remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Drop in the sliced red and green bell peppers and the onion. Stir occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes, letting the veggies soften and sweeten up without losing their bright color. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about a minute.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Fajita Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using your spoon to scrape up any little browned bits on the bottom of the pan (those equal flavor!). Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly and all those Tex-Mex flavors marry together.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Lower the heat, stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese, and mix patiently until the sauce is perfectly smooth and glossy. Add the cooked pasta and that juicy chicken back into the pan, gently tossing everything to coat in the creamy, irresistible sauce. Let it all bubble together for another 2 minutes, then get ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
This dish really shines with a finishing touch. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro all over for pop and color, then serve each bowl with a lime wedge or two. That squeeze of lime is the secret weapon—bringing every creamy, savory note to full brightness.
Side Dishes
While this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is absolutely hearty on its own, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, warm tortillas, or even charred corn on the cob. For something lighter, try sliced avocado on the side or pico de gallo for a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into a fiesta! Serve the pasta family-style in a big colorful bowl, or use small cast-iron skillets for personal servings. A sprinkle of extra cheese or a festive ring of pepper slices turns weeknight dinner into celebration mode with almost zero effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the cooled Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe into an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick weekday lunches.
Freezing
Although the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pasta if needed. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce may separate a bit, but a gentle stir as it reheats brings it right back together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Stir often and heat until steaming hot—this keeps everything luscious and creamy rather than dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne is classic, but feel free to substitute with rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. The sauce clings beautifully to almost any pasta shape.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter take, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk. You can even use whole milk in a pinch, but keep in mind the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Is this dish spicy?
The Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is flavorful with a gentle warmth thanks to the fajita seasoning, but not overly spicy. For more heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or an extra shake of seasoning!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even plant-based chicken strips. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it 100% vegetarian.
How can I meal prep this dish?
Cook the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them separately from the cooked pasta. When you’re ready to eat, reheat everything together in the skillet with the sauce ingredients for a quick and easy dinner that tastes freshly made.
Final Thoughts
There’s something extra special about a meal where every forkful tastes like a celebration, and that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe. Dive in, make it your own, and don’t forget that squeeze of lime—your weeknight dinners are about to become legendary!
Print
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe. Tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and savory seasonings come together in a luscious sauce, creating a Tex-Mex inspired pasta dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne or pasta of choice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken strips with seasoning until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Cook peppers, onions, and garlic until tender.
- Make the Sauce: Deglaze the pan with broth and cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine Everything: Stir in sour cream, cheese, pasta, and chicken. Simmer briefly.
- Garnish and Serve: Add cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or more seasoning.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
