If you have been searching for a dish that brings together all the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex with the comforting creaminess of pasta, you are in for a real treat. This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and a luscious sauce that wraps everything up in a cozy embrace. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish bursts with color, flavor, and texture, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role to bring bold, fresh flavors and indulgent creaminess to the table. Whether it’s the crisp bell peppers adding color and crunch or the rich heavy cream creating that irresistible sauce, every component is thoughtfully chosen to shine.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Essential for sautéing vegetables and chicken, adding subtle fruity notes and aiding in browning.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): Provides vibrant color and sweet, crisp texture that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Red onion (1/2 large, thinly sliced): Offers mild sharpness and a hint of sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and savory warmth to the dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 large, cut into 1-inch chunks): The protein star, delivering tender bites that soak up all the fajita flavor.
- Fajita seasoning packet (or 2 1/2 tablespoons homemade): Brings that classic fajita punch with a mix of smoky, spicy, and savory notes.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce for that creamy texture everyone loves.
- Chicken broth (14.5-ounce can): Adds a savory base for the sauce without overpowering other ingredients.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret ingredient that delivers lusciousness and a velvety finish.
- Rotini pasta (1 pound, cooked al dente): Perfectly shaped to hold onto the creamy sauce and deliver chewiness with every forkful.
- Sliced green onions: For a fresh, peppery garnish that adds a pop of color.
- Crushed tortilla chips: Adds delightful crunch and a fun Tex-Mex twist to finish the dish.
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 your thinly sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté these colorful vegetables for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant, releasing those irresistible fajita aromas. Once softened, remove them from the skillet to set aside; this step ensures they don’t overcook and remain vibrant in the final dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
With your vegetables resting, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet and turn the heat back up. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook them, stirring often, until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This process seals in the juices and builds deep flavor that is crucial for a mouthwatering Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Seasoning
Return the sautéed veggies to the skillet alongside your browned chicken. Now sprinkle the fajita seasoning and all-purpose flour evenly over the top, stirring well to coat everything. The seasoning instantly infuses the dish with zesty, smoky notes while the flour sets the stage to thicken your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken up beautifully, transforming into a rich, velvety coating that will hug every piece of chicken and vegetable.
Step 5: Stir in the Pasta and Finish
Finally, add your cooked rotini pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce, chicken, and vegetables. Stir everything together, cooking for another minute or so just until the pasta is heated through and perfectly coated in that luscious sauce. Now your Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in elevating this dish visually and texturally. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color and a mild onion bite. Don’t forget crushed tortilla chips—they add an irresistible crunch and reinforce the Tex-Mex vibe with a fun, playful twist. Together, these garnishes transform a great meal into a memorable one.
Side Dishes
While the pasta is a hearty meal on its own, pairing it with simple sides can balance and complement the flavors. A crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette or a bowl of charred corn salad works wonders here. You might also serve warm, soft tortillas alongside if you want to up the fajita factor and soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe family-style in a large, colorful serving bowl. Adding additional crushed tortilla chips at the table lets everyone customize their crunch level. You could also plate individual portions with a lime wedge on the side for diners to squeeze over the top, brightening up the dish with a citrusy zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry—this dish reheats beautifully. Transfer any unused Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the pasta will soak up some sauce as it sits, so a little extra cream or broth can help revive its luscious texture when reheated.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not always ideal for creamy pasta dishes. If you want to freeze, make sure to cool the pasta completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat to avoid breaking the cream sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers over low heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick or dry. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. You’ll be surprised at how quickly this dish comes back to life, tasting just as comforting as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect because it holds the sauce well in its spirals, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just ensure you cook it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when combined with the sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Definitely! You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative to reduce calories. Using skinless chicken breasts and adding extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms can also amp the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time?
Yes, you can sauté the chicken and veggies earlier in the day and refrigerate them separately. When ready to eat, simply reheat and finish the sauce and pasta steps to keep everything fresh and delicious.
What if I don’t have fajita seasoning on hand?
No worries! You can make a simple mix with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This homemade blend lets you control the spice level and customize it to your taste.
How spicy is this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe?
The spice level depends on your fajita seasoning choice. Most store-bought packets have moderate heat, but you can always adjust by adding extra chili flakes for more kick or reducing seasoning for a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
It’s not every day you find a recipe that is as easy as it is packed with flavor and comfort like this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe. From the tender chicken coated in smoky fajita spices to the rich, creamy sauce hugging every pasta twist, this meal is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Give it a try tonight, and I promise it will quickly become one of your most requested dishes.
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
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a luscious creamy sauce spiced with fajita seasoning. This easy-to-make skillet meal brings the bold flavors of Tex-Mex fajitas to your favorite pasta, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 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
Seasoning & Sauces
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or 2 1/2 tablespoons homemade)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Other
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- 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 the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown chicken: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the chicken breast chunks and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Return vegetables and season: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the chicken. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning and all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
- Make sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and develop rich flavors.
- Add pasta: Stir in the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat the pasta through and allow it to absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the creamy chicken fajita pasta with sliced green onions and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use rotini or another sturdy pasta that holds up well to creamy sauces.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.
