One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

The Comfort of One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

As the sun begins to set and the golden hour light spills into your kitchen, something magical happens—the comforting aroma of sizzling chicken mingles with sweet bell peppers and zesty spices. You might find yourself transported to a cozy family dinner, full of laughter and delicious memories. Enter One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta—a dish that encapsulates warmth, flavor, and that beautiful feeling of home. Easy to whip up and perfect for sharing, this comforting recipe quickly becomes a family favorite, evoking the festive spirit of togetherness.

Why Make This Recipe

You might wonder, why should I dedicate my time to making One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta? Let me share a few heartfelt reasons:

• Quick Prep: Your weeknight dinner can be ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy days!
• Cozy Flavors: The combination of spices and hearty ingredients creates that warm, comforting sensation.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding kids or a group of friends, this dish never fails to impress.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with whatever you have at home—substitutions are easy!
• Easy Clean-Up: Cooking everything in one pot means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying the meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare this delightful One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, gather the following ingredients:

• 12 oz. Pasta: Use your favorite—penne or rotini works wonderfully.
• 1 lb. Chicken Breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces—feel free to use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving twist!
• 1 Bell Pepper: A mix of colors adds vibrancy; choose your favorite!
• 1 Onion: A sweet onion will balance the dish; shallots work as a nice alternative too.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Freshness is key—minced, of course.
• 1-2 tbsp Fajita Seasoning: Use store-bought or homemade for an extra boost of flavor.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth: Low-sodium helps control the salt levels.
• 1 cup Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half can add that creamy texture; swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish—though parsley works if you’re not a fan.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

This One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is not only quick but totally worth every second!

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Let’s dive into the heart of this dish. Follow these steps, and get ready to fill your kitchen with delicious scents:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften, about 4-5 minutes.

2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot. Sprinkle fajita seasoning over the top, stirring gently to coat every piece. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes.

3. Incorporate Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting it sizzle while releasing its fragrant aroma.

4. Add the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the broth.

5. Creamy Finish: Stir in the cream and let it bubble slightly, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Creative Variations

Let your creativity shine! Here are a few suggestions to personalize your One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta:

• Spice it Up: Add jalapeños for a fiery kick or a pinch of cayenne for some extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for black beans or chickpeas and load up on more veggies like zucchini or corn.
• Add Cheese: Stir in some grated cheese at the end for a melty touch—cheddar or pepper jack work beautifully.

Serving Ideas

Pair your One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta with a fresh salad or warm tortilla chips. A side of guacamole and a zesty margarita can elevate this meal to fiesta status. Picture your loved ones gathered around the table, laughing and sharing bites, enjoying not just good food but great company.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any uneaten One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to life. You can also freeze for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use One Pot: The key to this dish is keeping everything together. One pot means fewer dishes!
• Prep in Advance: Chop your veggies and measure out your spices to save time during the cooking process.
• Taste as You Go: Seasoning is crucial. Taste your dish and adjust the salt and spice levels to seek your perfect flavor balance.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• What’s the best substitute for chicken? Feel free to use shrimp, tofu, or even lend in extra vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• How long can I store leftovers? In the fridge, they’re good for about 3 days; in the freezer, around 3 months.

Conclusion

As you savor each bite of your One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, remember that this dish is more than just a meal; it’s a vessel of love, connecting friends and family around the table. Whether it’s date night, a gathering with friends, or a simple weeknight dinner, this comforting recipe has the power to bring everyone together. I encourage you to make the dish, share it with loved ones, and create new memories, one delicious bite at a time. Happy cooking!

Contents

• 1 One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
  • 1.1 Ingredients  
  • 1.2 Method 
  • 1.3 Notes

One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

A comforting and quick dish featuring chicken, bell peppers, and spices cooked all in one pot for easy cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 540

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz Pasta Penne or rotini works well.
• 1 lb Chicken Breast, diced Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 1 Bell Pepper A mix of colors adds vibrancy.
• 1 Onion Sweet onion or shallots are recommended.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances flavor.

Seasoning and Liquid

• 1-2 tbsp Fajita Seasoning Store-bought or homemade.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium is preferred.
• 1 cup Cream Use heavy cream, half-and-half, or Greek yogurt.
• Salt and Pepper To taste.

Garnish

• Fresh Cilantro For garnish; parsley can be used as an alternative.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Add the diced chicken to the pot. Sprinkle fajita seasoning over the top, stirring gently to coat every piece. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting it sizzle while releasing its fragrant aroma.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the broth.
5. Stir in the cream and let it bubble slightly, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

This dish allows for customization; for a spicier version, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with black beans or chickpeas, and increase the amount of vegetables.