Chicken Fajita Pasta is a fun and tasty meal that combines tender chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy pasta all in one dish! It’s packed with flavor and super easy to make.
This dish always makes my family smile, especially with all those vibrant colors on the plate. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that mixes two favorites: fajitas and pasta? Yum! 🌶️🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, but you can swap it with fusilli or rotini if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, but you can use thighs for a juicier bite. Tofu can be an excellent swap for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: Using a mix of colors adds visual appeal! If you don’t have one type, feel free to use just one or other veggies like zucchini or corn for a twist.
Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for the best flavor. Salsa verde or even a mild tomato sauce can be substitutes if you’re looking to change things up.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can use Monterey Jack or leave it out for a lighter dish. Nutritional yeast is a great cheese alternative for vegans!
How Do You Cook the Chicken to Make It Flavorful and Tender?
Cooking chicken properly is key to keeping it juicy and full of flavor. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by marinating or seasoning the chicken well. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat for enhanced taste.
- Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice sear, but avoid overcooking to keep it tender. Aim for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Give the chicken space to brown; you can cook in batches if needed.
Trust me, a little patience during cooking will pay off with a flavorful chicken base for your pasta!
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Fajita Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare—10 minutes for cooking the pasta and 20 minutes for sautéing the chicken and veggies and combining everything. It’s a quick, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still slightly firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This will give your chicken lots of flavor!
3. Season the Chicken:
Take the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them with half of the seasoning mix. Make sure all the chicken is well coated.
4. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion, then sprinkle them with the remaining seasoning mix. Sauté the veggies for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the salsa and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through and flavorful!
7. Add the Pasta:
Now, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the delicious sauce and mixed with the chicken and veggies.
8. Add the Cheese:
If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt. It will get all gooey and delicious!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a nice touch of flavor and color. Now it’s ready to eat!
Enjoy your flavorful and colorful Chicken Fajita Pasta! It’s sure to bring smiles around the dinner table.😊
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will add a nutty flavor, and gluten-free pasta can be used for a gluten-free option. Just cook according to package instructions, and adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
