Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta

This creamy chicken fajita pasta combines the bold flavors of sizzling fajitas with the comfort of a rich pasta dish. I love how the tender chicken, peppers, and onions mingle with a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to wide noodles, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it gives me all the flavor of fajitas in a comforting pasta bowl. The fajita seasoning adds smokiness and spice, while the cream balances everything with richness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but also impressive enough to serve when I want something special. Plus, I can easily customize the heat level to match my mood.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

▢8 ounces Pappardelle pasta or fettuccine noodles
▢2 Tablespoons Neutral OIl Canola or vegetable oil work well here
▢1 pound Chicken breast boneless, skinless, slices into thin strips
▢2 Tablespoons Fajita seasoning Store purchased works well here
▢1 Sweet onion halved, sliced, then cut into half circles
▢2 Bell peppers, colors of choice cleaned and sliced
▢3-4 cloves garlic minced, measure garlic with your heart
▢1 Cup Heavy cream
▢¼ cup Reserved pasta water or more if needed
▢½ teaspoon Kosher salt
▢½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes measure according to your heat tolerance.

Directions

1. I start by cooking the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then I reserve some pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, I heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. I add the chicken strips, sprinkle with fajita seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, I sauté the onion and bell peppers until softened and slightly caramelized.
5. I add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
6. I return the chicken to the skillet, pour in the heavy cream, and stir well.
7. I add the pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, loosening the sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
8. I season with kosher salt and red pepper flakes, adjusting to my taste.
9. I serve hot, making sure each bowl has plenty of sauce, chicken, and veggies.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. The preparation takes about 10 minutes, and the cooking takes around 20 minutes, so the total time is about 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. If I want it extra creamy, I stir in a little cream cheese. For added freshness, I top the dish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. I also enjoy trying different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni when I don’t have pappardelle on hand.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving for too long since the cream sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I make this with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes, I’ve tried both, and they work just fine with the creamy sauce.

Can I use homemade fajita seasoning?

Yes, I sometimes mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano for a homemade blend.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes, a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully into the cream.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, I simply reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.

What kind of peppers work best?

I like a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for color and flavor variety.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

I wouldn’t recommend it since the sauce won’t be as rich, but half-and-half works in a pinch.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, I sometimes cook and season the chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate it until I’m ready to assemble the pasta.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?

I add a little extra reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly.

Can I make this into a one-pot dish?

Yes, I cook the pasta separately but then finish everything in the same skillet for easier cleanup.

What sides go well with this pasta?

I like serving it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken fajita pasta is one of my favorite comfort meals that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. The fajita spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce make every bite satisfying, and the versatility lets me adjust it to fit my taste. It’s a dish I can always count on to be both hearty and delicious.

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