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    The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » Dinner

    Chicken Fajita Pasta

    Aug 22, 2022 · Modified: Dec 14, 2022 by Julia | The Yummy Bowl · This post contains affiliate links · 1 Comment

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    chicken fajita pasta

    This chicken fajita pasta recipe is a tasty twist to traditional steak fajitas that the whole family will love. This easy dinner is made with chicken breasts, fresh veggies, Ro-Tel tomatoes, al dente pasta, and cooked in a creamy fajita sauce seasoned with various spices and fajita seasonings.

    Enjoy this family favorite fajita chicken pasta as a complete meal, or serve it alongside a simple green salad.

    Chicken Fajita Pasta in skillet with herbs

    We love Tex-Mex dinner recipes and why not make a fajita-style pasta too?

    From Shrimp Fajita, Steak Fajitas and Black Bean And Corn Quesadillas to Taco Dinner Boards - we love them all! This is just to name a few, but you've gotta try them all.

    There is a skip-to-recipe button in the top left corner along with a clickable table of contents list (just below) that will quickly take you to the part you are more interested in. Enjoy!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Freezing And Storing Instructions
    • Recommended Equipment
    • FAQ
    • Easy Tex-Mex Style Recipes
    • Easy One Pot Dinner Recipes
    • Chicken Fajita Pasta
    Chicken Fajita Pasta in a bowl with herbs

    Ingredients

    My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!

    The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.

    Chicken Fajita Pasta ingredients
    • Chicken - Boneless skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook for this easy pasta dish, although you could use boneless chicken thighs or even use rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken. 
    • Fajita Veggies - Using a tricolor choice of colorful bell peppers (red bell pepper, yellow pepper, and green bell pepper) provides a lovely display of color in this creamy chicken fajita pasta. I’ve also included Ro-Tel tomatoes for a kick of heat. Jalapeno peppers would also provide extra heat to this dish if you like. 
    • Aromatics & Seasoning - This chicken fajita chicken recipe wouldn’t be the same without the delicious flavors provided by diced yellow onion, garlic (minced and powder), broth, onion powder, salt, and fresh cracked black pepper, and a packet of fajita seasoning. You could easily make your own homemade fajita seasoning.
    • Heavy cream - This adds extra flavor to the dish and also thickens the sauce. 
    • Pasta - I’ve used gluten free penne pasta as my choice of dry pasta, but you can use even spaghetti like I did in my Chicken Tetrazzini or any other kind you prefer. Barilla tastes no worse than any regular gluten pasta, this is the real deal! Also one of my go to pastas lately is the red lentil pasta - tastes like real pasta and as a bonus has plant based protein included.
    • Garnish - Sliced green onions and fresh cilantro are great garnish options for serving this one pot chicken fajita pasta. 

    Instructions

    Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet or pot over medium high heat. The skillet or pot should be deep enough to cook the pasta with 2 cups of broth.

    Once the oil is hot and sizzling, add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Drain chicken juices.

    Chicken cooked in a skillet with fajita seasoning

    Place back on the stovetop and sprinkle ½ of the fajita seasoning over the chicken. Stir to combine. Continue cooking chicken until cooked through (a couple of minutes). Transfer the cooked chicken on to a plate while you move to the next step.

    Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and saute onions, bell peppers with remaining fajita seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes (or until peppers start to become wilted but still keep shape).

    bell peppers and onions cooking in a skillet

    Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the veggies to a separate plate.

    Reduce heat to medium-low (important as we will be adding cream now and it can curdle with high heat). Add broth, chicken base, heavy cream, Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and pasta. Stir to combine. Bring liquid to a a gentle boil.

    pasta and crushed tomatoes in a skillet

    Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 10-13 minutes stirring a couple of times during this time. Cook the pasta al dente.

    Pasta will continue to cook later on as well so it is important to not overcook it at this point. The starch from cooked pasta helps to thicken the sauce.

    You’ll still have sauce/liquid in the pan, and it is fine, the pasta will absorb more moisture as it stands (plus you're going to return the other ingredients to the skillet now).

    Stir in veggies and chicken. Let cook on low for 2-3 minutes. If you are a cheese fan add your favorite shredded melty cheese or parmesan now (You'll need about ½-3/4 cups). Stir to combine.

    Remove from the heat and serve with fresh herbs (cilantro and scallions) and black cracked pepper.

    Tips

    • Gluten-free pasta - I love using Barilla pasta but there are so many other brands to choose from. Other pasta types: angel hair pasta, fettuccine or any kind of spaghetti, elbows, rotini.
    • A heavy bottom Dutch oven or a large wide skillet can be used for this ''one-pot'' pasta recipe. Anything will work that will fit this amount of pasta with broth that it is cooked in.
    • Chicken breast meat tends to dry out quickly, so be careful that you don’t overcook the meat. You only need a couple minutes until the chicken will release the water (don't forget to pat dry it prior too) and then add fajita seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes.
    • Instead of fajita seasoning, you can use a homemade fajita mix of ground spices and herbs. And if you don't have any of these, just mix up at least some spices such as ground paprika and cumin or coriander, salt, and black pepper. Or cheat a little and use Taco, burrito or whatever packet seasoning mix instead.
    • It is always better to undercook the pasta if not sure, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
    • Cut the chicken pieces into uniform sizes so that they all cook evenly simultaneously. 
    • This dish isn’t very hot but rather mildly spicy. If you enjoy more heat in your food, consider adding canned green chilies or fresh ones in addition to those already in the Ro-Tel tomatoes. I'd add some fresh jalapenos, green chilies, habaneros, or other hot pepper that I can get my hands on. The spicy kick from these not only adds smoky flavor but also stimulates the digestion of food consumed with it.
    • Thicker sauce - If you're new to cooking the pasta in the same pot with sauce and all the liquids then I'd tell you it's easier than you think! Just keep an eye on your pasta until its al dente and lower the heat. The delicious flavors of the creamy sauce will be absorbed by the pasta as it cooks. The pasta will also absorb more sauce as it sits in the sauce so that this creamy pasta meal isn’t runny. The starch from pasta cooking liquid (in our case the broth) actually helps to thicken the sauce. Have you tried my Creamy Chicken Pasta which is also cooked with the same method?
    Chicken Fajita Pasta in skillet with herbs

    Serving Suggestions

    This pasta is best enjoyed on its own however an easy green salad, Avocado Corn Salad, or Marinated Vegetable Salad would add that delicious cherry on top!

    To make the whole dinner in Tex-Mex style, combine the main dish with various sides within the same ''category'' . Let me list a few:

    • Easy Zucchini And Corn Fritters
    • Simple Guacamole Recipe (3 ingredient)
    • Easy Pico De Gallo
    • Marinated Vegetable Salad

    Freezing And Storing Instructions

    This Chicken Fajita Pasta is best enjoyed right after making it. Most of the cooked food should be consumed within 1.5 or a maximum of 3 hours.

    This will ensure that you get the right amount of nutrients and value from freshly cooked meal.

    However, to save for later, you can store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    I just want to mention that the pasta will absorb lots of sauce as it sits in the fridge and will become larger and a bit soggy. This is also the case if you have overcooked the pasta.

    Cream-based sauces don’t reheat so well and you’ll need to add some extra milk or cream when reheating. Don’t boil it!

    No freezing.

    This recipe is approximately for 4-6 servings.

    Recommended Equipment

    Measuring Cups and Spoons - measure all your salad ingredients and seasonings with those superb tools without stress! Easy to wash!

    Skillet - nonstick and easy to clean, what else you’d want from a good skillet 🙂

    FAQ

    What is fajita sauce made of?

    Fajita sauce is made with a combination of simple Mexican flavours and spices such as onion and garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika, in addition to chicken broth and a cup water. The sauce is then either thickened with cream or a roux mixture for best results.

    Can you use milk instead of cream in pasta?

    You can use milk, plant-based milk instead of heavy cream in pasta. However, milk will not give you the same creamy result as it would heavy cream. What I would do in this case is add a tablespoon or two of flour when adding the oil and butter to create a roux. The sauce should thicken better this way.

    What cut of meat is fajita chicken?

    Classic fajita calls for skirt steak that’s cut into thin strips of meat. In fact "fajita" means "little belt" from the word "faja" for strip or belt, and the diminutive "ita." Nowadays, fajita recipes also use chicken and shrimp as the main source of protein.

    Should I cut fajita meat before cooking?

    Yes. Cutting the meat before cooking helps to speed up the cooking time and also allows you to serve uniform pieces of meat with the rest of the ingredients.

    What are the toppings for fajitas?

    Traditional fajitas can be enjoyed with a large variety of toppings such as sliced avocado, salsa, sour cream, grated cheese, sliced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, and homemade guacamole. For this one pot chicken fajita pasta, I’ve used sliced green onions and minced cilantro.

    Easy Tex-Mex Style Recipes

    We love everything Southwest and Mexican Style food recipes, tacos, fajitas, wraps, chilis, taco salads, you name it!

    Check out my latest favorites:

    Easy Steak Fajita Tacos - steak and tacos, just melt-in-your-mouth--delicious-kinda-flavor!

    Easy Shrimp Fajita - a single skillet, mouth-watering dish that’s loaded with irresistible flavors, tender shrimp, and seasoned veggies.

    Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing - the salad is great but the Catalina dressing even greater!

    Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme - the all-time favorite Taco bell copycat Crunchwrap Supreme recipe with ground beef and more.

    Crock Pot Chicken Chili With Cream Cheese - Perfect for 4 servings and any leftovers can be refrigerated, it tastes better on the next day!

    And of course, tacos...

    Taco dinner boards are fairly easy, cheap, delicious, and most importantly healthier than the restaurant. If you want more Taco Bar ideas I have a great one-stop-shop kinda deal for you, check out my Easy Taco Dinner Party Board recipe over here.

    Anything from Creamy Chicken Tacos, Easy Steak Fajita tacos, to completely vegan options such as Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Kale tacos. We love 'em all!

    Don't forget the drinks! Learn how to make a margarita in this Skinny Watermelon Margarita recipe or this delicious spicy frozen margarita recipe (by the way, you can use your favorite fruit or berries here!).

    Easy One Pot Dinner Recipes

    ALL DINNER recipes.

    • Chicken Lo Mein recipe (Gluten-Free)
    • Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada
    • Ground Beef and Cabbage
    • Tomato Eggplant Pasta

    I hope you'll enjoy this Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe, please leave a rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo of your food and tag me on Instagram @theyummy_bowl. I love seeing your creations!

    Thank you for reading,

    Love,

    Julia

    Chicken Fajita Pasta in skillet with herbs

    Chicken Fajita Pasta

    This chicken fajita pasta recipe is a tasty twist to traditional steak fajitas that the whole family will love. This easy dinner is made with chicken breasts, fresh veggies, Ro-Tel tomatoes, al dente pasta, and cooked in a creamy fajita sauce seasoned with various spices and fajita seasonings.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin
    Author: Julia | The Yummy Bowl
    Course: Main Course
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 367kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
    • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
    • 2 ½ tablespoon fajita seasoning divided
    • 1 large yellow onion diced
    • 1 red bell pepper cut into strips
    • 1 yellow bell pepper cut into strips
    • 1 green bell pepper cut into strips
    • 1 tablespoon (heaping) of garlic minced
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 tablespoon Bouillon chicken base
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • 1 10 ounce crushed tomatoes with green chilies such as Rotel tomatoes
    • 8 ounces gluten-free pasta uncooked
    • salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
    • green onions sliced for garnish
    • fresh cilantro minced for garnish

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet or pot over medium high heat. The skillet or pot should be deep enough to cook the pasta with 2 cups of broth.
    • Once the oil is hot and sizzling, add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Drain chicken juices.
    • Place back on the stovetop and sprinkle ½ of the fajita seasoning over the chicken. Stir to combine. Continue cooking chicken until cooked through (a couple of minutes). Transfer the cooked chicken on to a plate while you move to the next step.
    • Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and saute onions, bell peppers with remaining fajita seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes (or until peppers start to become wilted but still keep shape).
    • Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the veggies to a separate plate.
    • Reduce heat to medium-low (important as we will be adding cream now and it can curdle with high heat). Add broth, chicken base, heavy cream, Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and pasta. Stir to combine. Bring liquid to a a gentle boil.
    • Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes stirring a couple of times during this time. Cook the pasta al dente. Pasta will continue to cook later on as well so it is important to not overcook it at this point.
    • You’ll still have sauce/liquid in the pan, and it is fine, the pasta will absorb more moisture as it stands.
    • Stir in veggies and chicken. Let cook on low for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve with fresh herbs (cilantro and scallions) and black cracked pepper.
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    Nutrition Facts
    Chicken Fajita Pasta
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 367 Calories from Fat 144
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 16g25%
    Saturated Fat 6g38%
    Trans Fat 0.01g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 6g
    Cholesterol 59mg20%
    Sodium 383mg17%
    Potassium 447mg13%
    Carbohydrates 40g13%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 6g7%
    Protein 17g34%
    Vitamin A 1429IU29%
    Vitamin C 85mg103%
    Calcium 35mg4%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    This recipe has been inspired and adapted from this recipe.

    « Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing
    Avocado Crema With Jalapenos »
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    Comments

    1. Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      August 22, 2022 at 12:59 am

      5 stars
      Easy Chicken Fajita Pasta cooked in one pot!

      Reply

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    I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthy recipes for the whole family. Everything you see here is Gluten-free and mostly made with whole food ingredients. Hope you enjoy! Love, Julia

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