Chicken Fajita Pasta (One Pot)

Chicken  |  Published Oct 8, 2021  |  Updated Feb 27, 2023  |  By Tawnie

chicken fajita pasta in a white bowl

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 also the perfect transitional pasta dish as we dive into Fall because 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 try out this Cream Cheese Pasta Bake and this easy Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta.

There really is nothing fancy about what’s going on in this meal here but it’s still an impressive weeknight (or weekend) dinner.

You’ll absolutely love this recipe 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!

a photo of penne pasta with chicken, bell peppers and jalapeno in a blue dutch oven pot

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.

Ingredient Notes

12 ingredients are all you need for this creamy, silky, spicy deliciousness!

ingredients needed to make fajita pasta
  • 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.
  • 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! Let’s do it:

step by step photos making fajita pasta
  1. Heat oil in a large pot (I love using my Dutch oven for this recipe).
  2. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper and cook. Set chicken aside.
  3. Add remaining oil and saute onions and bell peppers until tender and fragrant.
  4. Add the chicken back in, along with the fajita seasoning and garlic. Stir to combine.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chiles, milk, broth and penne pasta. Stir. Bring to a boil.
  6. Turn down to a simmer and cook for ~15 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
  7. Add the cheese, stir. Serve with chopped parsley or jalapeños.
an up close photo of penne pasta with chicken, bell peppers and jalapeno

FAQ

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 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!

What other pasta shapes can I use?

Feel free to use any! Shells, elbow, bow tie, rigatoni, etc.

chicken pasta in a white bowl with yellow trim

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chicken fajita pasta in a white bowl
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Chicken Fajita Pasta (One Pot)

Pasta, chicken, fajita seasoning, bell peppers & green chiles are getting ultra-spicy and cozy in this 30 minute Chicken Fajita Pasta!
5 from 8 reviews
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 566kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~1.5 lb.)
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 white onion, 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 cup 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

Instructions

  • Cut chicken into bite sized pieces, or sliced into strips.
  • Heat 1 Tbsp. oil over medium heat in a large heavy pot. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook until no longer pink. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Add remaining olive oil to pan. Add onions and bell peppers and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the chicken back in, along with the fajita seasoning and garlic. Stir to combine until fragrant, ~1 minute.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chiles, milk, broth and penne pasta. Stir well. Bring to a boil.
  • 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 cheese, stir. Serve with your favorite garnishes. (green onions, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, lime wedge, etc.)

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.
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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 566kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 548mg | Potassium: 964mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2113IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 2mg

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8 Comments
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Lauren Perkins
1 year ago

Tastes AMAZING! Definitely adding to weekly dinners 🙂

1 year ago

This was so yummy! Quick, easy, and my whole family loved it.

Zeke Barber
1 year ago

YUM! Chicken Fajita’s are my weakness and I can’t wait to try this! Love the pasta addition!

Gina
1 year ago

This is a keeper! Great flavorful dinner and everyone loved it!

Vanessa
1 year ago

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!

1 year ago

My family loved this! Thanks for the fabulous recipe!!

Claudia Lamascolo
1 year ago

What a delicious new dish for me to try love all the ingredients, especially bring a Mexican style flair!

Claudia Lamascolo
1 year ago

What a delicious new dish for me to try love all the ingredients, especially being a Mexican style flair!

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