Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta

This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken tossed in homemade or store-bought fajita seasoning is cooked with colorful bell peppers and onion, then mixed with pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce. Simple, quick, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced ½-inch
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning, homemade or store-bought
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup half and half or light cream
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 8 ounces pasta, cooked al dente

Instructions

1. Combine diced chicken and fajita seasoning in a medium bowl.
2. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 7 minutes or until almost fully cooked.
3. Add bell peppers and onion, cooking for about 4 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in half and half and shredded cheese. Stir until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Add cilantro and cooked pasta, stirring to combine.
7. Cook a little longer if needed until the sauce reaches your preferred creamy consistency.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and optimal flavor.
• Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.

Variations

1. Southwestern Style: Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet along with the peppers and onions. Top with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a southwestern twist.

2. Cheesy Explosion: Mix in extra shredded cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. For an even richer dish, sprinkle some cheese on top and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3. Taco-Inspired Pasta Bake: After combining the pasta, transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese and crushed tortilla chips, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes for a crunchy, baked version.

4. Creamy Avocado Twist: Stir in diced avocado at the end for a creamy, slightly tangy finish that pairs beautifully with fajita flavors.

5. Lemon-Lime Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime juice and zest at the end of cooking to brighten up the dish and give it a fresh, citrusy punch.

6. Smoky Chipotle: Incorporate 1–2 teaspoons of chipotle in adobo sauce to the cream sauce for a smoky, spicy depth of flavor.

7. Pesto Fajita Fusion: Add 2 tablespoons of basil or cilantro pesto to the cream sauce for a herby, unique twist on the classic creamy fajita pasta.

8. One-Pot Version: Cook the pasta directly in the skillet with chicken, vegetables, and cream, using just enough water or broth to cook the pasta. This reduces cleanup and infuses the noodles with flavor.

9. Garlic Parmesan Upgrade: Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and a teaspoon of garlic powder to the cream sauce for a rich, garlic-parmesan flavor profile.

10. Mediterranean Flair: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts with the peppers and onions. Garnish with fresh parsley instead of cilantro for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

11. Spicy Sausage Combo: Swap half the chicken with sliced spicy chorizo or Andouille sausage for extra flavor and heat.

12. Creamy Veggie Lover: Use a mix of broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers to make it vegetarian-friendly while keeping the creamy sauce indulgent.

13. Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Keep the creamy sauce and chicken the same for a keto-friendly meal.

14. Slow Cooker Adaptation: Combine chicken, peppers, onions, garlic, cream, and seasoning in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Add cooked pasta at the end to avoid it becoming mushy.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
   Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Add it at the end with the pasta to avoid overcooking.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Absolutely. Simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta?
   Yes, but it’s best to freeze before adding cilantro and pasta. Reheat gently and stir in fresh cilantro after warming.
4. What can I use instead of half and half?
   Heavy cream, light cream, or even coconut milk can be used as a substitute. Adjust cooking time slightly to reach desired thickness.
5. How can I make it spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or use a spicier fajita seasoning to increase heat.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
   Yes, vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes pair beautifully with this dish. Add them when cooking the peppers and onions.
7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly, giving the sauce a creamier texture.
8. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
   You can prep the chicken, peppers, and onions in advance, but combine with cooked pasta and sauce just before serving for the best texture.
9. What is the ideal consistency for the sauce?
   The sauce should coat the pasta and chicken evenly without being too thin or overly thick. Adjust cooking time or add a splash of cream as needed.
10. Can I make this dairy-free?
    Yes, substitute the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings the vibrant flavors of fajitas to your pasta bowl. With tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends. Its versatility allows for endless variations, from spicy kicks to veggie-packed or low-carb versions, making it a recipe that can be customized to suit everyone’s taste. Serve it fresh for the creamiest texture, enjoy leftovers thoughtfully, and savor a meal that’s both comforting and full of bold, delicious flavor.

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