This incredible one-pan chicken fajita pasta combines the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired seasonings with the comfort of creamy pasta. While it may not be traditional Italian cuisine, this fusion dish delivers an explosion of taste that will make it your new favorite weeknight dinner. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich cheese sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning mix (or homemade blend below)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Homemade Fajita Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pasta:
- 250g (9 oz) campanelle pasta (or penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 large bell pepper (red or yellow preferred)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 450ml (2 cups) chicken stock
- 550ml (2¼ cups) whole milk
- 160g (1½ cups) grated cheese (mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Cut the chicken into small, uniform cubes approximately 2cm (¾ inch) in size. Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the fajita seasoning mix and use your hands to massage the seasonings evenly into the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
Heat a large, deep skillet or wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Building the Base
Add the butter to the same pan where you cooked the chicken, allowing it to melt and incorporate with the remaining chicken drippings. Finely chop the onion and add it to the pan, cooking for approximately 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. The onion should soften but not brown.
Cut the bell pepper into small, uniform cubes similar in size to your chicken pieces. Add the bell pepper to the pan with the onions. Slice or mince the garlic cloves finely and add them to the vegetables. Stir the mixture well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the peppers begin to soften slightly.
Cooking the Pasta
Add the dry pasta directly to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken stock followed by the milk, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. The liquid should just cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low-medium to maintain a steady, gentle bubble.
Allow the pasta to cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid and reach an al dente texture. The sauce will naturally thicken as the pasta releases its starches. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, cayenne pepper, or fajita seasoning as needed.
Finishing the Dish
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove the pan from heat. Immediately stir in the grated cheese mixture, allowing it to melt completely and create a smooth, creamy sauce. The residual heat will be sufficient to melt the cheese without causing it to become stringy.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and gently fold it into the pasta, ensuring even distribution. Taste once more and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 portions
Approximate Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 520-580
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
This recipe provides a well-balanced meal with high-quality protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and essential vitamins from the bell peppers and onions.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives
You can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins such as turkey breast, prawns, or even plant-based alternatives like seasoned tofu or tempeh. For seafood lovers, large prawns work particularly well with the fajita seasoning blend.
Pasta Substitutions
While campanelle pasta works beautifully for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, rotini, or even shell pasta. For a healthier option, try whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber.
Cheese Variations
Experiment with different cheese combinations such as Monterey Jack and mild cheddar, or add a touch of cream cheese for extra richness. Pepper Jack cheese will add an additional kick of heat to the dish.
Vegetable Additions
Enhance the nutritional value by adding corn kernels, diced tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms. Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the final minutes of cooking for added greens.
Dairy-Free Option
Replace the milk with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The cooking method remains the same, though you may need to adjust the liquid quantities slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While this pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or chicken stock to restore the creamy consistency. The pasta may absorb some liquid during storage, so adding liquid when reheating is normal.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store leftover chicken fajita pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a small amount of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. You can reheat portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop.
Can I freeze this pasta dish? While technically possible, cream-based pasta dishes don’t freeze particularly well as the sauce may separate when thawed. If you must freeze it, do so for no longer than 1 month and expect some texture changes. Thaw completely before reheating and be prepared to add additional liquid and cheese to restore the sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the heat by adding extra cayenne pepper, using hot fajita seasoning, incorporating diced jalapeños with the bell peppers, or adding a dash of hot sauce to taste. You can also use pepper Jack cheese instead of regular cheddar for a spicy kick.
What side dishes pair well with this pasta? This rich and hearty pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with lime dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, spiced pasta. Alternatively, serve with warm tortillas for an extra fusion twist.
This fusion chicken fajita pasta proves that sometimes the most delicious dishes come from combining different culinary traditions. The result is a comforting, flavorful meal that brings together the best of both worlds in one satisfying pan.