Creamy One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

If you’re craving the bold flavors of chicken fajitas with the cozy satisfaction of a pasta dish, this Creamy One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is going to win your heart—and your tastebuds. Combining tender spiced chicken, sautéed onions and bell peppers, garlic, creamy cheese, and pasta all cooked in one pan, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. The best part? It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve to guests. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

• 450 g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into small cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp fajita spice mix or

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 large bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 250 g (9 oz) pasta (e.g. campanelle, penne, or fusilli)

• 450 ml (2 cups) chicken stock

• 550 ml (2¼ cups) milk

• Salt, cayenne pepper, or more fajita spices, to taste

• 160 g (1½ cups) grated cheese (e.g. extra-sharp cheddar and mozzarella)

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
Cut 450 g of chicken breast into small cubes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning mix, or make your own with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Toss with your hands to evenly coat all the chicken pieces.

2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent. Add diced bell peppers and stir. Mince or slice two cloves of garlic and stir them in as well. Cook everything together for 1–2 more minutes.

4. Add the Pasta and Liquids:
Stir in 250 g of your chosen dry pasta. Pour in 2 cups (450 ml) of chicken stock and 2¼ cups (550 ml) of milk. Mix well and reduce the heat to low. Allow the pasta to simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it is nearly cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly (this usually takes about 10–12 minutes).

5. Season and Adjust:
Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, a dash of cayenne, or a sprinkle of your spice blend to deepen the flavor.

6. Add Cheese and Chicken:
Once the pasta is al dente, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 160 g (about 1½ cups) of shredded cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together.

7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your rich, creamy, and spicy chicken fajita pasta!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~580 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Fat: 30 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Sodium: 720 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This one-pot chicken fajita pasta is a modern, fusion-style comfort dish that merges Tex-Mex flavors with Italian pasta traditions. While classic fajitas hail from Texan ranch kitchens—typically featuring grilled meats served on tortillas—this pasta version simplifies the concept by incorporating all the vibrant seasonings into a creamy sauce and serving it over pasta. It’s gained popularity through online food blogs and weeknight dinner roundups thanks to its ease, versatility, and comforting flavors.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• One-Pot Simplicity: No need to juggle multiple pans—less cleanup!

• Flavor-Packed: Smoky spices, garlic, cheese, and juicy chicken make every bite exciting.

• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will dig into this creamy, cheesy, hearty meal.

• Customizable: Swap out veggies, use your favorite pasta shape, or add more heat.

Health Benefits

• Protein-Rich: Thanks to lean chicken and cheese, it’s a satisfying high-protein meal.

• Calcium & Vitamin D: The cheese and milk provide bone-building nutrients.

• Capsaicin Boost: Chili and paprika can help with metabolism and circulation.

• Veggie-Powered: Onions, bell peppers, and garlic provide fiber, antioxidants, and immunity support.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness.

• With Cornbread: For a southern twist, serve with warm cornbread or garlic bread.

• For a Party: Serve in bowls with toppings like jalapeños, avocado slices, or sour cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cook just until it’s golden and juicy—no one likes dry chicken.

• Using the Wrong Pasta: Avoid delicate pastas; choose ones that hold sauce well like penne or campanelle.

• Not Stirring the Pasta: Stir regularly while simmering to avoid sticking or clumping.

• Adding Cheese Too Soon: Always stir in cheese after removing from heat to prevent curdling.

Pairing Recommendations

• Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.

• Beer: A crisp lager or light amber ale pairs perfectly with the spice.

• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling lime water, horchata, or iced hibiscus tea (agua de jamaica).

Cooking Tips

• Make it Spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or extra cayenne for heat lovers.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken.

• Make Ahead: The dish reheats beautifully—perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

• Add Greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale for added nutrition before serving.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Skillet

• Spicy Sausage and Pepper Penne

• Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

• One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for black beans, tofu, or meatless crumbles.

• Low-Carb: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles instead of traditional pasta.

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives for a vegan-friendly option.

• Seafood Twist: Try shrimp instead of chicken for a delicious fajita shrimp pasta.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breast: A lean protein source, perfect for fast meals, packed with B vitamins.
Fajita Spice Blend: This mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic gives a smoky, bold flavor profile that defines Tex-Mex cooking.
Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants; red and yellow peppers also add sweetness and color.
Cheese: Combining mozzarella’s meltiness with cheddar’s sharpness gives a luscious, balanced sauce.
Pasta: Campanelle or penne are sturdy enough to hold the creamy, flavorful sauce without turning mushy.

Conclusion

Creamy One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is the epitome of a flavorful, fuss-free dinner. It brings together everything you love about Tex-Mex—spices, chicken, and peppers—with the comforting, cheesy richness of a creamy pasta dish. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is reliable, adaptable, and utterly satisfying. It’s a keeper for your go-to dinner rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just add it in when the pasta is almost done.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

3. What if I don’t have fajita seasoning?
You can mix your own using 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cumin, and ½ tsp garlic powder.

4. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated. Freezing is possible, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly when reheated.

5. What cheese works best?
A combo of extra-sharp cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully and gives a nice depth of flavor.

6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Just substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your spice blend is gluten-free.

7. How spicy is the dish?
It’s mildly spiced. Adjust with cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like it hotter.

8. Can I use dairy-free milk and cheese?
Yes! Oat or soy milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives can be used to make it vegan-friendly.

9. What other vegetables can I add?
Zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or spinach make great additions to the base recipe.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer longer uncovered before adding cheese, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.