Chicken Fajita Pasta
This delicious Chicken Fajita Pasta combines tender chicken, bell peppers, and creamy cheese for a flavorful, one-pot meal. A perfect fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors and comforting pasta, ready in under an hour.
8 Servings
Ingredients
Seasoning Blend
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 red onion peeled and cut into ½-inch wedges
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth or more as needed
- 1 cup salsa
- 4 cups milk
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper cut into ½-inch strips
- 1 green bell pepper cut into ½-inch strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper cut into ½-inch strips
Cheese and Garnish
- 4 cups shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend
- ¼ cup minced cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Seasoning and Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Mexican oregano. Sprinkle half of the seasoning blend over the chicken strips, reserving the remainder for later use.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the red onion and garlic and sauté for approximately 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Build the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and salsa, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This enhances the flavor of the dish.
Cook the Pasta
- Add the milk and dry penne pasta to the pot, stirring to combine. Place the cooked chicken and bell peppers on top. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a light simmer. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring gently every 4 to 5 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the sauce thickens excessively, add additional chicken broth as needed.
Add Seasoning and Cheese
- Once the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, season with the remaining spice blend. Add the shredded Mexican cheese blend and stir until melted and thoroughly incorporated.
Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with minced cilantro before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To make this Chicken Fajita Pasta gluten-free, simply substitute the regular penne pasta with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure the chicken broth and salsa used are certified gluten-free.
This Chicken Fajita Pasta offers an indulgent, creamy experience with just the right amount of heat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Enjoy!