If you’re craving a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of fajitas together with the comforting creaminess of pasta, look no further than this incredible Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe. It’s a celebration of tender chicken, crisp sautéed peppers and onions, and a luscious sauce that hugs every piece of rotini pasta. This recipe is not only bursting with bold, savory tastes but also comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a dinner with flair yet simplicity. Once you dive into this dish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. The beauty here is that each component is straightforward yet essential, playing a specific role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): This oil is your base for sautéing veggies and browning the chicken, adding a smooth, slightly fruity layer to the dish.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Brings a sweet crunch and vibrant color that brightens the entire plate.
- Red onion (1/2 large, thinly sliced): Adds a mild, slightly sharp flavor once sautéed, balancing the sweetness of the peppers.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that warm, aromatic punch that ties all the flavors together.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 large, cut into 1-inch chunks): Tender protein that soaks up the spices and sauce beautifully.
- Fajita seasoning (1 packet or 2 1/2 tablespoons homemade): This mix delivers the smoky, spicy profile that defines the fajita experience.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Used to thicken the sauce, giving that irresistible creamy texture.
- Chicken broth (1 14.5-ounce can): Adds depth and moisture to the sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The key to that rich, velvety finish that makes this pasta so indulgent.
- Rotini pasta (1 pound, cooked al dente): Its corkscrew shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly on every bite.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild onion crunch that complements the rich sauce.
- Crushed tortilla chips (for garnish): Provides unexpected crispy texture and an extra touch of fajita authenticity.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. Let them sizzle and soften for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This step builds a fresh, sweet foundation that perfectly complements the chicken and the creamy sauce that follows. When they’re ready, remove the vegetables from the skillet to make space for the next step.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Now it’s time to brown the chicken chunks. Cook them over medium-high heat, stirring often, until every piece develops a beautiful golden crust. This browning adds a depth of flavor that takes the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe to the next level while ensuring the chicken stays juicy and tender inside.
Step 3: Return Vegetables and Season
Once the chicken is perfectly browned, return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning and the all-purpose flour evenly over the chicken and veggies. Stir everything together so that every piece is coated thoroughly, which will help thicken the sauce and infuse it with that signature southwest spice profile.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Crank the heat up just enough to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to simmer. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for about 10 minutes. As it cooks, the flour will smooth out and create a luscious sauce that wraps around the chicken and veggies like a warm, flavorful hug.
Step 5: Add Cooked Pasta
Finally, stir in your cooked rotini pasta. Continue cooking for an additional minute to fully heat the pasta and allow it to soak up the creamy, spicy sauce. This last step melds the components perfectly, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and bursting with vibrant flavors. Your Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is basically ready for the table!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish visually and texturally, sprinkle sliced green onions over the pasta. Their fresh crunch and mild onion flavor balance the rich sauce beautifully. For an extra pop, a handful of crushed tortilla chips adds a fun, unexpected crunch reminiscent of classic fajita accompaniments.
Side Dishes
Serve this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. You can also offer warm, buttery cornbread or garlic breadsticks to soak up any remaining sauce, making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fiesta-worthy presentation, serve the pasta in colorful bowls and add a wedge of lime on the side for an extra zesty kick. You could also top the pasta with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for a personalized touch that guests will love. Don’t forget a few fresh cilantro leaves for an herbal breath of fresh air.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken slightly but will still taste amazing when reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe can be frozen, but keep in mind that heavy cream-based sauces may change texture slightly upon thawing. To freeze, cool the pasta completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat the frozen or refrigerated pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce back up and keep it creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for trapping the sauce thanks to its spiral shape, penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni would work beautifully too. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.
Is fajita seasoning really necessary?
The fajita seasoning is key for that signature smoky, spicy kick that defines this recipe. If you don’t have a packet on hand, you can easily make a homemade blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a cashew-based cream to keep it dairy-free. The flavor will change slightly but remain deliciously creamy and satisfying.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best because they cook evenly and absorb the seasonings well. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, richer taste.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can chop the vegetables and cook the pasta earlier in the day to save time. Just keep everything refrigerated until you’re ready to finish cooking and combine all the ingredients for the freshest results.
Final Thoughts
Give this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe a try and watch how it becomes an instant favorite that your family will ask for again and again. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and creamy comfort in one satisfying dish that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to share with friends. Once you experience the perfect harmony of juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and rich sauce, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t been your go-to meal all along!
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Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a flavorful and comforting one-pan dish combining tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a rich, creamy sauce seasoned with fajita spices. This quick and easy recipe serves as a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Protein
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
Pantry
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or 2 1/2 tablespoons homemade fajita seasoning)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chicken breast chunks and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Return vegetables and season: Add the sautéed vegetables back into the skillet with the chicken. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning and all-purpose flour evenly over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Make sauce: Pour in the canned chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add pasta: Stir in the cooked rotini pasta and mix thoroughly. Cook for an additional 1 minute or until the pasta is fully heated through and coated in the creamy fajita sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the creamy chicken fajita pasta with sliced green onions and crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a homemade fajita seasoning, combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to your taste.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain texture when mixed into the sauce.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by cooking chicken and vegetables in advance; simply reheat and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.
- Use crushed tortilla chips to add a delightful crunch as garnish, but omit if avoiding gluten or extra salt.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though sauce richness will slightly differ.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
