One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

This quick and easy chicken fajita pasta is a creamy Mexican-inspired chicken pasta recipe made with simple ingredients in one pot on the stovetop. It is a flavorful 30-minute dinner with tender chicken, peppers, onions, taco seasoning, tomatoes, broth, cream, and pasta cooked together until rich and satisfying.

If you enjoy the bold flavors of chicken fajitas and the comfort of a creamy pasta dinner, this one pot chicken fajita pasta brings both together in a family-friendly meal. The peppers and onions give it that classic fajita taste, while the taco seasoning, fire roasted tomatoes, and cream create a smooth, savory sauce. It is easy enough for busy weeknights and hearty enough to serve as a complete main course.

More easy chicken pasta recipes/ chicken and pasta recipes

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• Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta
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• Garlic Chicken Pasta

How to make chicken pasta?

1. Saute the chicken with taco seasoning until golden brown, then set it aside.
2. Cook the peppers, onions, garlic, and more taco seasoning in the same pot until the vegetables are tender but still slightly firm.
3. Add broth, heavy cream, fire roasted diced tomatoes, uncooked pasta, salt, and pepper to the pot.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring often so it does not stick.
6. Mix the cooked chicken and vegetables back into the pasta.
7. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve warm.

What sides to serve with Mexican chicken fajita pasta recipe?

This Mexican chicken fajita pasta is filling on its own, but it also pairs well with fresh and simple sides. A green salad is an easy choice because it balances the creamy pasta with something crisp and light. Tomato avocado salad or Mexican corn salad would also work well with the fajita flavors.

When the weather is warm enough for grilling, Mexican-style corn on the cob makes a delicious side dish. The sweetness of the corn goes nicely with the taco-seasoned chicken and peppers.

Traditional pasta sides such as breadsticks or garlic bread are also great options, especially if you want a more comforting meal. You can also serve extra toppings on the side, such as finely chopped onions, jalapenos, cilantro, tomatoes, salsa, or guacamole, so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Pasta toppings and garnish

This one pot chicken fajita pasta tastes delicious as it is, but toppings can make it even better. Add them just before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture.

Salsa – A spoonful of salsa adds freshness, acidity, and a little extra Mexican flavor. Use homemade or store-bought salsa, depending on what you have available.

Guacamole – Creamy guacamole works well with the taco seasoning and peppers. Homemade or store-bought guacamole can both be used.

Crushed chips – Crushed Doritos or tortilla chips add a salty crunch. Serve immediately after adding them because chips can become soggy if they sit too long.

Fresh herbs – Roughly chopped cilantro is a great garnish for this pasta and adds a fresh finish.

Avocado – Diced or sliced avocado adds creaminess and balances the spices.

Onions – Finely chopped red onions add crunch and a sharp, fresh bite.

Jalapeno slices – Add jalapenos if you want a spicy kick.

Cheese – Shredded mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend can be sprinkled on top before serving.

Variations

Chicken pasta bake or casserole – Layer the cooked taco chicken, boiled pasta, cream cheese and shredded cheese mixture, and fajita vegetables in a casserole dish. Bake until the cheese melts and serve warm.

Chicken pasta salad – Cook the chicken with taco seasoning, then combine it with boiled pasta, finely chopped red onions, mixed peppers, lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, shredded cheese, lemon juice, lime juice, taco seasoning, and olive oil. Chill before serving.

Try different seasonings – Replace taco seasoning with Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Indian seasoning, or lemon pepper for a different flavor profile.

Creamy chicken pasta – Add more heavy cream or stir in ⅓ cup cream cheese at the end for an extra creamy texture.

Chicken penne pasta – Use penne instead of macaroni. Other short pasta shapes also work well.

Add spinach – Mix in ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained, during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Add broccoli – Stir in 1 cup frozen broccoli during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Add mushrooms – Mix in ½ cup roughly chopped sauteed mushrooms at the end.

Add sausage – Stir in 1 cup cooked sausage slices at the end for a heartier meal.

Make it lighter – Use whole wheat pasta, replace the heavy cream with additional broth, and skip the cheese or use a low-fat cheese if desired.

Use leftover chicken fajitas – Leftover fajita chicken can be added to this recipe to save time. Leftover Mexican shredded chicken can also be used.

Make it vegetarian – Omit the chicken and add more vegetables along with drained and rinsed canned red beans or black beans for a meatless dinner.

Tips and Techniques

Use a nonstick pot – This helps prevent the pasta and sauce from sticking or burning while everything cooks together.

Use full-fat ingredients – Full-fat heavy cream creates a richer, creamier sauce. Low-fat ingredients will not give the same texture.

What cheese should you use? Cheese is optional, but a Mexican cheese blend is a great choice. Cheddar, parmesan, and mozzarella also work well.

What pasta should you use? Macaroni works well, but penne, shells, bow ties, or other short pasta shapes can be used. The pasta should be uncooked when added to the pot. Whole wheat pasta may take a few extra minutes to cook.

Use low-sodium broth – Low-sodium broth helps keep the dish from becoming too salty, especially because taco seasoning already contains salt.

Broth vs. water – Broth is recommended because it adds more flavor. Chicken broth or vegetable broth both work. Beef broth is not recommended for this recipe.

Adjust the taco seasoning – Use more or less taco seasoning based on your taste and spice preference.

Serve a crowd – This recipe can be doubled or tripled for dinner parties or larger family meals.

If the pasta is too thick – Add a little broth and stir until it reaches your preferred consistency.

If the pasta is too watery – Cook uncovered over high heat for a few minutes until the extra liquid is absorbed or evaporates.

Recipe

Happy cooking everyone!