Chicken Fajita Pasta (One Pot)
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Penne pasta, chicken, bell peppers and green chiles are getting ultra-spicy and cozy in this Chicken Fajita Pasta! From the directions to the ingredients list, this is a pretty low maintenance meal. It’s light and flavorful but also cozy and creamy at the same time.
If you’re into this pasta (which should be just about everyone right??), you’ll have to also try out this Cream Cheese Pasta Bake, this delicious Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Orzo, and this easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta.
So go on, grab the pasta from the pantry and some bell peppers and this chicken fajita pasta will suddenly be your new favorite one pot meal.
There really is nothing fancy about what’s going on in this meal here but it’s still an impressive weeknight (or weekend) dinner that comes together in 30 minutes!
You’ll absolutely love this Chicken Fajita Pasta because it’s kicked up with lots of southwestern flavors from the Fajita seasoning mix and it’s ultra-creamy from the sharp cheddar cheese. But the best part is that it is all made in one pot, from the chicken to cooking the pasta it’s all done in one.single.pot!
Ingredient Notes
12 ingredients are all you need for this creamy, silky, spicy deliciousness! Scroll to the recipe card for the full list and measurements.
- Chicken: I use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs!
- Pasta: We love this dish with penne pasta, but feel free to use really any shape you prefer. You could easily use a gluten free pasta too!
- Colorful bell peppers: I like to use a combination of green, orange and red!
- Chicken broth: Chicken broth helps to cook the noodles since they get cooked in the same pot. You can also use vegetable broth.
- Milk: Use a whole milk to keep the pasta nice and luscious. You could also use heavy cream or half and half if that’s what you have on hand.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar or pepper jack both are great options. You’ll add it in at the end to help bring the textures and flavors of the dish together.
- Diced tomatoes and green chiles: Somehow I always have these stocked in the back of my pantry, am I the only one?! You’ll need a 10 oz. can of tomatoes and a 4 oz. can of the chiles (You can use mild or hot).
Step by Step Directions
This meal comes together rather quickly so make sure you have all of the ingredients prepped and chopped before you begin cooking! You can scroll down to the recipe card for the complete recipe and instructions.
Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy pot (I like to use a dutch oven). Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink. Then move the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Cook the peppers & onion
Add more olive oil to the pan, then add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the chicken & fajita seasoning
Add the cooked chicken back in the pot, along with the fajita seasoning and minced garlic. Stir to combine until fragrant, ~1 minute.
Cook the pasta
Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chiles, milk, broth and penne pasta and stir well. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked, about 15-20 minutes.
Add toppings & dig in!
Once the pasta is cooked, add the shredded cheese and stir. Top it off with your favorite garnishes (like green onions, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, lime wedge, etc.). Then dig in! Dinner is served!
FAQs
How do I store and reheat this pasta?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, heat on the stove in a pot until warm. You may need to add a little broth or milk to make it creamy again.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
I have not tested this recipe in the Instant Pot yet. So sorry!
What other pasta shapes can I use?
Feel free to use any! Shells, elbow, bowtie, rigatoni, etc.
I don’t have whole milk on hand. What else can I use?
You can substitute the whole milk with heavy cream or half and half. Both will help thicken the sauce.
How can I make this pasta spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes in the step when you add the fajita seasoning!
What toppings can I add?
Add more shredded cheese, diced avocado, parsley, sour cream, jalapeños, red pepper chili flakes, guacamole, pico de gallo, cilantro, salsa…really any of your favorite tex-mex toppings will work!
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Chicken Fajita Pasta (One Pot)
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~1 1/2 lb.)
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 white onion, finely diced ( ~1 cup)
- 3 bell peppers, multicolor, seeded and diced
- 1 pkg. fajita seasoning (1.12 oz)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles (mild or hot)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 16 oz. penne pasta, uncooked (4 cups)
- 1 heaping cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or pepper jack)
- Garnish ideas: shredded cheese, diced avocado, parsley, sour cream, jalapeños, red pepper chili flakes, guacamole, pico de gallo, cilantro, salsa, lime wedges, green onions
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces, or sliced into strips.3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~1 1/2 lb.)
- Heat 1 Tbsp. oil over medium heat in a large heavy pot. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook until no longer pink. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- Add the remaining olive oil to pan. Add onions and bell peppers and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.1/2 white onion, finely diced ( ~1 cup), 3 bell peppers, multicolor, seeded and diced
- Add the chicken back in, along with the fajita seasoning and garlic. Stir to combine until fragrant, ~1 minute.1 pkg. fajita seasoning (1.12 oz), 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chiles, milk, broth and penne pasta. Stir well. Bring to a boil.1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes, 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chiles (mild or hot), 3 cups whole milk, 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth), 16 oz. penne pasta, uncooked (4 cups)
- Turn down to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally so pasta doesn't stick, until pasta is cooked, about 15-20 minutes. It might look liquid-y, but the noodles will absorb the liquid and thicken when cheese is added.
- Once pasta is cooked, add the shredded cheese and stir. Serve with your favorite garnishes (green onions, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, lime wedge, etc.).1 heaping cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or pepper jack), Garnish ideas: shredded cheese, diced avocado, parsley, sour cream, jalapeños, red pepper chili flakes, guacamole, pico de gallo, cilantro, salsa, lime wedges, green onions
Video
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, heat on the stove in a pot until warm. You may need to add a little broth or milk to make it creamy again.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
This recipe was originally posted in October 2021. It was updated in December 2024 with new photos by Sierra Ashleigh Photography.
This was ridiculously tasty and satisfying! And it came together so quickly. I served it with roasted broccoli w/Parmesan cheese and dinner was served. Everyone loved it!
Beautiful! I am so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 thank you!!
Tastes AMAZING! Definitely adding to weekly dinners 🙂
This was so yummy! Quick, easy, and my whole family loved it.
YUM! Chicken Fajita’s are my weakness and I can’t wait to try this! Love the pasta addition!
This is a keeper! Great flavorful dinner and everyone loved it!
Loved this recipe – what a great one for a mid-week meal. I used vegan chicken pieces and it worked so well. Thank you for this recipe – I’ll be making more of your recipes soon!
My family loved this! Thanks for the fabulous recipe!!
What a delicious new dish for me to try love all the ingredients, especially bring a Mexican style flair!
What a delicious new dish for me to try love all the ingredients, especially being a Mexican style flair!