You know that warm, spicy aroma that fills your kitchen when something delicious is bubbling away? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta. This trendy dish is a hit on TikTok and Pinterest because it’s quick, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Everyone is talking about it!
This cozy meal combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and onions, all tossed together with pasta and zesty fajita spices. It’s like your grandma’s best pasta dish but made simpler and in one pot. What’s not to love? Full details in the blog!
One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is a spicy chicken fajita pasta and creamy chicken fajita pasta dish that’s quick and full of flavor. This Mexican-inspired recipe combines tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pasta all cooked in one pot. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner with vibrant fajita spices.
Ingredients
Scale
3 Tbsp olive oil divided
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into ½ – 1 inch pieces
2–3 Tbsp fajita seasoning taco seasoning works too
1 large yellow onion peeled and diced
2–3 bell peppers any variety sliced into 1 inch long strips
5 cloves garlic minced
2 cups reduced sodium chicken stock
½ cup heavy cream
10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles like Rotel brand
8 oz dried penne pasta or other short cut pasta
kosher salt and black pepper to taste
lime wedges for garnish
sliced green onions for garnish
minced fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a dutch oven or 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat and add chicken sprinkled with half the fajita seasoning; cook for 2 minutes then flip or stir and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add remaining 1½ tablespoons olive oil to the pot, add diced onions, sliced peppers, and the rest of the fajita seasoning; cook for about 4-5 minutes stirring occasionally until softened and lightly charred. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more before removing the vegetables to the plate with the chicken.
Pour chicken stock, heavy cream, diced tomatoes with chiles, pasta, and a pinch of salt and pepper into the pot; scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon and bring to a boil. Lower to a gentle boil, cover, and cook for 15 minutes stirring sometimes.
If liquid remains, cook 3-5 minutes longer until mostly absorbed. Return chicken and vegetables to the pot and stir well to warm through.
Serve topped with sliced green onions, minced cilantro, and a squeeze of lime wedge.
Notes
TO PREP AHEAD: Chicken onion bell peppers and garlic can be chopped ahead and kept in airtight containers separately in the fridge
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American Mexican
Nutrition
Calories:395kcal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s talk cozy dinners! This One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is an absolute gem for those busy weeknights when you crave something warm and comforting without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. Here are a few reasons you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:
Time-Saving: It comes together in just about 30 minutes, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones!
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spicy fajita seasoning and creamy pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
Easy Prep: Everything is made in one pot, which means less fuss and fewer dishes to wash a win-win!
Key Ingredients & Tools
Gather your ingredients and tools before diving in. This helps the cooking process flow smoothly and keeps that cozy feeling going. Here’s what you’ll need:
Veggies: 1 large yellow onion and 2-3 bell peppers, sliced for a nice crunch.
Fajita Seasoning: Use 2-3 Tbsp of your favorite fajita or taco seasoning.
Pasta: 8 oz dried penne (or any short pasta) to soak up all those fabulous flavors.
Cooking Tools: A large Dutch oven or a deep skillet something that can hold it all harmoniously while cooking.
Simple Steps to Make It
Let’s get cooking with this scrumptious one-pot wonder! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time:
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, sprinkle with half of the fajita seasoning, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, onions, and bell peppers along with the other half of the fajita seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. Remove the veggies from the pot and set aside with the chicken.
Pour in 2 cups of reduced sodium chicken stock, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add the penne and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a low boil, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has absorbed. Return the chicken and vegetables to the pot, stir for a few minutes to heat them through, and voila!
Step
Time
Cook chicken
2-3 minutes
Sauté onions & peppers
4-5 minutes
Simmer pasta
15 minutes
Easy Customizations
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some swaps and tweaks:
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with black beans or chickpeas for a hearty, plant-based version.
Spice It Up: Love heat? Add a dash of cayenne or some sliced jalapeños while cooking the onions and peppers.
Cheesier Delight: Toss in a cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) just before serving for a creamy, cheesy finish.
How to Serve & Store
Serving this delightful pasta is as easy as a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of green onions or fresh cilantro on top. It’s the perfect touch of brightness! Here’s how to make the most of your meal:
Serving: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Storage
Time
Refrigerate leftovers
Up to 3 days
Reheat
On medium heat or microwave
Expert Says
A one-pot chicken fajita pasta not only simplifies cooking but also encourages flavors to mingle beautifully. Cooking the chicken and vegetables together allows the spices to blend, enhancing the overall taste. Additionally, using whole-grain pasta increases fiber, making this dish a satisfying option for balanced meals.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Journey to My Perfect One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
After countless attemptsthink burnt chicken and mushy pastaI finally nailed my One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta. It took learning to balance the spices just right and avoiding the classic overcooking trap. Now, it’s a go-to weeknight favorite that’s colorful and bursting with flavor. My family can’t get enough!
FAQs ( One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta )
What is One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta?
This dish combines chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pasta cooked together with fajita spices in a single pot. It’s a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering the vibrant taste of Mexican cuisine in every bite.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. However, it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming mushy.
What toppings work best with this recipe?
Top your dish with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or shredded cheese for added flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can enhance the taste even more!
Is this meal keto-friendly?
This meal is not inherently keto, primarily due to the pasta. For a keto-friendly version, consider substituting with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to keep the flavors while reducing carbs.
Conclusion
Oh, my friends, this One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is truly a weeknight hero! With just about 30 minutes of prep, you’ll be greeted by the warm, spicy aroma that fills your kitchen and wraps you in comfort. Trust me, you’ll love how it turns outsatisfying, creamy, and just a tad spicy, perfect for that family dinner hustle.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some black beans for a hearty vegetarian twist, or sprinkle on a bit of cheese right before serving to take it over the top! And here’s a kitchen tip: leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making lunch a no-brainer. A little trick I learned from my aunt: just reheat gently for that fresh-out-of-the-pot taste!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you cooked something similar in your kitchen? Snap a photo or share your favorite twist in the comments. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your loved ones; it’s bound to evoke delightful memories at the dinner tablea cozy meal that’s all about connection and warmth!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
