Are you ready to delight your taste buds with a vibrant and satisfying dish? One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta is the perfect meal that brings together the zesty flavors of fajitas and the comfort of pasta. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a time-saver in the kitchen, as it requires minimal cleanup. With a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and colorful bell peppers, you can serve up a delicious family dinner in no time.
Why We Love This One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
This One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta is an absolute favorite in many households for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly convenient—you can cook everything in one pan, which means less time scrubbing dishes afterward. The vibrant flavors from the fajita seasoning combined with the creaminess of the heavy cream create a harmony that pleases the palate. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that allows you to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s also a fantastic way to get your family to eat more vegetables, as the dish is loaded with colorful bell peppers and onions. Finally, this recipe is quick to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients about One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
To make One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta Directions
Creating this delicious One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta is a straightforward process that takes minimal effort. Start by heating a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until they become softened and fragrant. Cooking these vegetables until they are just right will ensure that they retain some of their crunch, adding a pleasing texture to your dish. Once the vegetables are ready, stir in the minced garlic and fajita seasoning, allowing them to cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This step will enhance the flavors and release the aromatic essence of the spices.
Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. At this stage, it’s time to add the pasta. Toss the pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated with the flavorful broth. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so that the pasta does not stick together or to the pan.
After the pasta has absorbed some of the broth and is nearly done cooking, mix in the heavy cream. This addition transforms the dish from a simple pasta to a creamy delight. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency. Now, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. This is also your chance to adjust the flavors, so don’t hesitate to add a little more seasoning if needed.
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve it hot, and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds!
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
When it comes to serving One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta, the key is to keep it simple and let the flavors shine. Start by portioning out the pasta onto individual plates. You can garnish each serving with additional cilantro for a fresh touch. If you want some extra flavor, consider sprinkling some grated cheese on top. Cheddar or a Mexican blend works particularly well with this dish, as it melts right into the creamy goodness.
To complement the richness of the pasta, you might want to serve it with a side of crusty bread or warm tortillas. These side options are great for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. A fresh garden salad can also make a delightful pairing, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta. Lastly, don’t forget about beverages! A light lemonade or sparkling water can refresh your palate alongside this hearty meal.
Expert Tips: One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
To ensure your One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Choosing Your Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that can hold onto the sauce well, like penne or rotini. They catch all the creaminess in every bite.
- Slicing Chicken: Make sure your chicken breast is sliced uniformly to ensure even cooking. For easier slicing, freeze the chicken breasts for about 30 minutes before cutting.
- Cooking Vegetables: Don’t rush the sautéing process. Allow the onions and peppers to soften properly, as this enhances their natural sweetness.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of fajita seasoning based on your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less seasoning.
- Creamy Consistency: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the heavy cream, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, mix in some shredded cheese when adding the cream. This adds a glorious cheesy layer of flavor.
How to Store One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying your One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta, you can easily store it for later enjoyment. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. This helps to preserve the flavors and the creamy texture. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the sauce, stirring until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. Do keep in mind that reheating may alter the creaminess slightly, so consider adding a bit more cream or broth during this process.
Variation of One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
There are plenty of ways to customize your One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta, making it fun to prepare each time. Here are some delightful variations you might like to try:
- Swap the Proteins: Instead of chicken, consider using shrimp or beef strips for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster than chicken.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other veggies into the mix! Zucchini, corn, or even black beans can enhance the nutritional value and add more texture to the dish.
- Spicy Twist: If you’re a fan of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish for an extra kick.
- Vegan Version: For those who prefer a plant-based option, swap the chicken for chickpeas and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with herbs like oregano or thyme to create a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the fajita seasoning beautifully.
FAQ
What is One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta?
One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta is a one-skillet dish that combines sliced chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, onions, and pasta, all simmered in a creamy fajita-spiced sauce.
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can utilize any pasta of your choice. Shapes like penne or fusilli work particularly well as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
How can I make One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. You can also add more vegetables for a satisfying meal.
How long does it take to prepare One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta?
From start to finish, you can have this delicious meal prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Can I freeze One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish due to the creamy sauce, which may separate upon thawing. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, warm tortillas, or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors of the pasta. Enjoy this delightful meal any way you like!
One-Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice) Penne or rotini works well
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced Uniformly sliced for even cooking
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with coconut cream for a vegan option
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning Adjust according to spice preference
- Olive oil For cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and fajita seasoning, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the pasta to the skillet and cook according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta has absorbed some broth and is nearly done, mix in the heavy cream and simmer until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
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