This Chicken Fajita Pasta is a fun twist on two favorites: chicken fajitas and pasta! It’s packed with tasty chicken, colorful peppers, and just the right amount of spices.
I love how quick it is to make—perfect for busy nights! Just cook the pasta, sauté the veggies, add the chicken, and mix it all together. Easy peasy! 🍝🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne because its shape holds the sauce well. If you’re out of penne, you could easily swap it for fusilli or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here, but you could use thighs for a juicier bite or even shrimp for a light twist. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, try adding black beans or sautéed mushrooms!
Bell Peppers: This recipe uses red, yellow, and green peppers for color and sweetness. Experiment with others like orange or even jalapeños if you want some heat. Don’t worry about exact quantities—feel free to toss in whatever you have!
Cheese: I find that cheddar adds a nice richness, but you can also use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy touch. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without cheese!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful. Start by seasoning it well—this is key! Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to get that lovely brown crust.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken.
- Let the chicken cook without moving it too much for about 3-4 minutes to develop a nice sear, then flip to brown the other side.
- When they’re no longer pink inside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, they’re done!
This method works for most chicken dishes, helping you get perfectly cooked poultry every time!
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
For The Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
For The Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For The Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For The Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious Chicken Fajita Pasta can be ready in about 30 minutes! It takes about 10-15 minutes to prep the ingredients and cook everything, and another 10-15 minutes to toss it all together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This will be the hearty base of your dish!
2. Season the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken pieces and season them with chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated—this is where the flavor starts!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and no longer pink inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes until they are tender. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. This will add a lot of aroma to your dish!
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, mixing everything well. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes so that all those wonderful flavors blend together!
6. Bring It All Together:
Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, mixing it with the chicken and vegetables until everything is well-coated with the sauce. This is where your dish starts to look colorful and delicious!
7. Cheese It Up:
If you like, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. Cheesy goodness!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro over the pasta just before serving. This adds a fresh touch that’ll make your dish pop! Serve it hot and enjoy your tasty Chicken Fajita Pasta!
This dish captures the vibrant colors and flavors of classic fajitas, combined with delicious pasta, making it a perfect quick and tasty meal.
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding onto the sauce, you can use other shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein like black beans, chickpeas, or even sautéed mushrooms. The spices will still give it that zesty fajita flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or even spinach. Just sauté them alongside the peppers and onions for a nutritious boost!
