Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta: A Flavor Fiesta in Every Bite!

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors? Look no further! This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe is a weeknight winner, combining the best of Tex-Mex and Italian cuisine into one unbelievably delicious meal. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, studded with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all infused with that signature fajita spice. This recipe is easy to customize to your liking, making it a family favorite that you’ll turn to again and again.

## Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta

* **Flavor Explosion:** The fajita seasoning blends perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This dish is always a hit with family and friends.
* **Comfort Food with a Kick:** It’s creamy and comforting, but with a zesty fajita twist.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (penne, fettuccine, rotini, or bow tie work well)
* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* **Bell Peppers:** 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
* **Bell Peppers:** 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, sliced
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Fajita Seasoning:** 2-3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade – recipe below)
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened
* **Cilantro:** Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
* **Lime:** Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado

## Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own fajita seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:

* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
* Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
* Drain the pasta and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables**

* While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the sliced chicken and season with fajita seasoning (start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste).
* Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
* Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet.
* Cook until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce**

* Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
* Bring the broth to a simmer.
* Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese.
* Whisk until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 4: Combine Everything**

* Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
* Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
* Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

* Garnish the Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta with fresh cilantro.
* Serve immediately.
* Offer lime wedges and optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and avocado.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning to control the spice level. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or mushrooms.
* **Protein:** You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, steak, or tofu.
* **Pasta:** Experiment with different pasta shapes. Gluten-free pasta works well too.
* **Cream Cheese:** For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese (reduced-fat cream cheese).
* **Dairy-Free:** Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Be sure to check the ingredients of your fajita seasoning to ensure it’s dairy-free as well.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and make the sauce, then combine everything.
* **Leftovers:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Add a smoky flavour:** Use smoked paprika in your homemade fajita seasoning or add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
* **Boost the veggies:** Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or corn for added fiber and flavor.
* **Freshness is key:** Use fresh bell peppers, onions, and garlic for the best flavor.
* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Al dente pasta will hold its shape and texture better in the creamy sauce.
* **Adjust the sauce:** If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce.
* **Grate some cheese directly into the sauce:** Adds extra flavour and thickness.
* **Add a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce:** Brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
* **Taste and adjust seasonings:** Always taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the salt, pepper, and fajita seasoning to your liking.
* **Top with crushed tortilla chips:** Adds a nice crunch and Tex-Mex flavor.
* **Add some chopped jalapeños:** Adds extra spice.
* **Use rotisserie chicken:** A great shortcut for busy weeknights. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the skillet with the vegetables.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans.
* **Use a different type of cheese:** Monterey Jack or pepper jack would also be delicious in this recipe.
* **Add a splash of hot sauce:** For an extra kick.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or corn on the cob.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 600-800 per serving
* Protein: 40-50 grams per serving
* Fat: 30-40 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams per serving

## Get Ready to Enjoy!

This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and customizable ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and get ready to create a flavor fiesta in your kitchen! Enjoy!