Print

Fajita Pasta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A colorful and quick weeknight pasta dish with flavors inspired by fajitas, featuring chicken, sautéed peppers, and melty cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside; reserve a splash of pasta water if you like a looser sauce.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and adjust salt and pepper. Let the spices bloom in the oil for about 20 seconds.
  5. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup diced tomatoes. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a tablespoon of broth.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese, then stir once to combine.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

For a creamier texture, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream or sour cream at the end. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

Find it online: https://www.mealbreeze.com/chicken-fajita-pasta/