The sizzle of chicken hitting a hot skillet, followed by the sweet aroma of bell peppers and onions caramelizing together. That’s the magic moment when one pot chicken fajita pasta begins. This Pinterest favorite brings all those beloved fajita flavors straight to your dinner table in under thirty minutes.
Think of this dish as your favorite chicken fajitas meeting comfort food pasta in one glorious pot. Tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta swim together in a lightly spiced sauce that’s both creamy and bright. It’s like having takeout night, but cozier and from your own kitchen. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been experimenting with spice blends for years, and this combination of cumin, chili powder, and just a hint of smoked paprika creates the most incredible depth of flavor. After testing this recipe countless times, I discovered the secret is toasting those spices for just thirty seconds before adding the liquid. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference.
PrintOne-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta: Quick and Delicious Way
One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is a spicy chicken fajita pasta and creamy chicken fajita pasta dish that’s quick and full of flavor. This Mexican-inspired recipe combines tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pasta all cooked in one pot. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner with vibrant fajita spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 – 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Mexican
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into ½ – 1 inch pieces
- 2–3 Tbsp fajita seasoning taco seasoning works too
- 1 large yellow onion peeled and diced
- 2–3 bell peppers any variety sliced into 1 inch long strips
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles like Rotel brand
- 8 oz dried penne pasta or other short cut pasta
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- lime wedges for garnish
- sliced green onions for garnish
- minced fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a dutch oven or 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat and add chicken sprinkled with half the fajita seasoning; cook for 2 minutes then flip or stir and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add remaining 1½ tablespoons olive oil to the pot, add diced onions, sliced peppers, and the rest of the fajita seasoning; cook for about 4-5 minutes stirring occasionally until softened and lightly charred. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more before removing the vegetables to the plate with the chicken.
- Pour chicken stock, heavy cream, diced tomatoes with chiles, pasta, and a pinch of salt and pepper into the pot; scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon and bring to a boil. Lower to a gentle boil, cover, and cook for 15 minutes stirring sometimes.
- If liquid remains, cook 3-5 minutes longer until mostly absorbed. Return chicken and vegetables to the pot and stir well to warm through.
- Serve topped with sliced green onions, minced cilantro, and a squeeze of lime wedge.
Notes
- TO PREP AHEAD: Chicken onion bell peppers and garlic can be chopped ahead and kept in airtight containers separately in the fridge
Nutrition
- Calories: 395kcal
Why This One-Pot Wonder Will Become Your New Favorite
There’s something magical about how bell peppers and onions caramelize together, creating those beautiful charred edges that remind me of bustling Mexican markets. This one pot chicken fajita pasta captures that vibrant energy while keeping cleanup to an absolute minimum.
The beauty lies in the layering of flavors – we build depth by cooking the chicken first, then the vegetables, letting each ingredient leave its mark on the pot before bringing everything together. It’s like creating a flavor foundation that gets better with every step.
- Minimal cleanup: Just one Dutch oven or large skillet needed
- Family-friendly: Adjustable spice levels for every palate
- Weeknight hero: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
Breaking Down Your Flavor Arsenal
Let me share some insights about the key players that make this dish sing. The diced tomatoes and green chiles bring the perfect balance of acidity and heat – think of them as your flavor amplifier that brightens everything else in the pot.
The heavy cream isn’t just for richness; it transforms the cooking liquid into a silky sauce that coats every piece of penne pasta. And that fajita seasoning? It’s doing double duty, seasoning both the chicken and vegetables for consistent flavor throughout.
| Ingredient | Flavor Role | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bell Peppers | Sweet, smoky base | Mix colors for visual appeal |
| Fajita Seasoning | Warm spice blend | Toast briefly with garlic for depth |
| Heavy Cream | Creates silky sauce | Add after stock to prevent curdling |
| Chicken Stock | Cooking liquid + flavor | Reduced sodium lets you control salt |
The Step-by-Step Magic
This isn’t just about following steps – it’s about understanding the rhythm of one-pot cooking. We start by searing the chicken pieces to lock in flavor, then set them aside while building that aromatic vegetable base.
The key moment happens when you deglaze the pot with chicken stock. Use your wooden spoon to scrape up all those beautiful browned bits – that’s pure flavor gold that will infuse your entire dish.
- Sear first: Chicken and vegetables get their turn to caramelize
- Deglaze properly: Those browned bits become your flavor foundation
- Simmer covered: Keeps pasta from sticking while it absorbs all that goodness
- Stir occasionally: Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking
Troubleshooting Your One-Pot Adventure
Even the most experienced home cooks run into hiccups with one-pot pasta dishes. The most common concern? Pasta that’s either too firm or mushy. The secret is checking at the 15-minute mark and adjusting as needed.
If your pasta seems too firm and the liquid is absorbed, add a splash more chicken stock and continue cooking. If it’s getting mushy, remove the lid and let excess liquid evaporate over higher heat for a minute or two.
- Too dry: Add chicken stock, 1/4 cup at a time
- Too soupy: Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid
- Sticking: Lower heat and stir more frequently
Serving and Storage Made Simple
The lime wedges and fresh cilantro aren’t just garnish – they’re the bright, fresh notes that complete this cozy comfort dish. That little squeeze of lime acid cuts through the cream and makes every flavor pop.
This easy one pot fajita pasta tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and add a splash of chicken stock when reheating to restore that creamy consistency.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Add splash of stock, heat gently |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Thaw overnight, reheat with extra liquid |
| Meal Prep | 3 days | Store garnishes separately |
Expert Says
This ONE POT CHICKEN FAJITA PASTA combines protein and fiber-rich ingredients, making it a balanced meal. Using one pot not only enhances flavor through efficient cooking but also reduces cleanup timeperfect for busy weeknights. Sautéing the vegetables first ensures they retain their nutrients while infusing the pasta with vibrant colors and tastes.
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The Journey to My Perfect One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
With a few less-than-ideal attemptsthink overcooked chicken and too much spiceI finally crafted this One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta. Each mistake brought me closer to the comforting dish my family craves, blending vibrant flavors with tender pasta that twirls with every forkful. It was worth every lesson learned along the way!
FAQs ( One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta )
What is One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta?
This dish combines chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pasta cooked together with fajita spices in a single pot. It’s a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering the vibrant taste of Mexican cuisine in every bite.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. However, it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming mushy.
What toppings work best with this recipe?
Top your dish with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or shredded cheese for added flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can enhance the taste even more!
Is this meal keto-friendly?
This meal is not inherently keto, primarily due to the pasta. For a keto-friendly version, consider substituting with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to keep the flavors while reducing carbs.
Your One-Pot Victory Awaits
This one pot chicken fajita pasta delivers exactly what busy weeknights need – bold flavors and zero fuss in just thirty minutes. You’ll love how the pasta absorbs every bit of that smoky, creamy sauce while the chicken stays perfectly tender. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before you even call them to dinner.
Here’s my favorite trick from years of spice experimenting: add a pinch of smoked paprika right at the end for extra depth. Want it lighter? Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt after removing from heat. This keeps beautifully in the fridge for three days – just add a splash of stock when reheating to bring back that silky texture.
I’d love to see how this turns out in your kitchen! Snap a photo and tag me – there’s something so satisfying about seeing a recipe travel from one home to another. Did your family have a favorite pasta night growing up? Save this recipe for your next cozy dinner, and maybe it’ll become part of your own delicious traditions.
