If you’re looking to wow your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is your go-to meal. Imagine tender chicken chunks tossed with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all wrapped in a luscious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every spiral of pasta. This dish brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors with creamy indulgence, making it an irresistible weeknight winner that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role—from the vibrant bell peppers adding color and crunch, to the rich cream that makes this pasta unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Using 3 tablespoons, divided, ensures even cooking and a silky texture.
- Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for that sweet, crisp bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Large red onion: Thin slices add a mild, slightly sweet sharpness that balances the creaminess.
- Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse the base with savory depth without overpowering.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Fajita seasoning packet: Or make your own with spices for that authentic Tex-Mex kick.
- All-purpose flour: Just 3 tablespoons to create the perfect thickening agent for the sauce.
- Chicken broth (14.5-ounce can): Adds a flavorful, savory base for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Half a cup gives the sauce its signature richness and velvety finish.
- Rotini pasta: One pound cooked al dente to hold the sauce beautifully in every twist.
- Sliced green onions: For garnish, adding freshness and a mild onion crunch.
- Crushed tortilla chips: Adds an exciting, crunchy topping that complements the creamy pasta.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful aromas. This step builds the flavorful foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and throw in the chicken chunks. Cook the chicken, stirring often, until each piece is beautifully browned on all sides. This locks in the juices and creates a delicious meat crust that enhances the dish’s texture.
Step 3: Return Vegetables and Season
It’s time to reunite those softened veggies with the golden chicken. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning and flour over the mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. This seasoning blend infuses the dish with authentic fajita flavor, while the flour begins to thicken the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the can of chicken broth along with half a cup of heavy cream. Bring the pan to a boil carefully, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. As it simmers, the sauce will thicken to that irresistible creamy consistency that clings to your pasta.
Step 5: Add Pasta
Finally, stir in the cooked rotini pasta. Let it cook with the sauce for an additional minute to soak up all the flavors and warm through. This ensures every bite is packed with a delicious balance of creamy, savory, and spicy elements.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Before serving, top your dish with fresh sliced green onions and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for an added burst of color, crunch, and flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy the best of creamy fajita-inspired pasta!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions add a fresh, zesty lift that brightens the dish, while crushed tortilla chips provide an unexpected but delightful crunch. Together, these garnishes elevate the texture and visual appeal, transforming the meal into a complete experience.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken fajita pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For a heartier meal, warm crusty bread or garlic bread offers a perfect side to sop up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in individual small skillets or colorful bowls. You can also layer it in a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a crowd-pleasing option. Either way, presentation will delight steamy, creamy, and colorful every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover creamy chicken fajita pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing that beautiful creamy texture.
Freezing
Although this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Keep in mind the texture of vegetables may soften after freezing, but flavor remains lovely.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Stir frequently to warm evenly without drying out the chicken or pasta. Microwaving works too, but stirring midway improves even heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the sauce in all its twists, other shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle would work beautifully too. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping chicken for grilled tofu or sautéed mushrooms. The fajita seasoning and creamy sauce remain the stars, so your dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.
Can I make my own fajita seasoning? What goes in it?
Yes! Homemade fajita seasoning is simple and fresh. Mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This also allows you to adjust the spice level perfectly to your taste.
Is heavy cream necessary for the sauce to be creamy?
Heavy cream creates that rich, velvety texture that defines this dish, but you could substitute half-and-half or a cream cheese blend for a lighter version. Just expect a slightly thinner consistency.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can chop veggies, season the chicken, and even cook pasta a day ahead. Assemble and cook the sauce fresh so it tastes vibrant and just-made when served.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe that makes it a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. Packed with bold flavors, wonderful textures, and that luscious sauce, it’s a dish that brings warmth and smiles to any table. So grab your skillet and dive into making this tomorrow—you’ll thank yourself after the very first bite!
Print
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a creamy fajita-spiced sauce tossed with rotini pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with Tex-Mex flair.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or 2 1/2 tablespoons homemade fajita seasoning)
Sauces and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Starches
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked al dente
Garnishes
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Crushed tortilla chips, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still vibrant. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chicken breast chunks and cook, stirring frequently, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return vegetables and season: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the browned chicken. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning and all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Make sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Add pasta: Stir in the cooked rotini pasta and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the pasta to heat through and absorb some of the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the creamy chicken fajita pasta with sliced green onions and crushed tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute the rotini pasta with any short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust fajita seasoning to taste for spice levels.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Adding crushed tortilla chips provides a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
