Save This vibrant, Tex-Mex-inspired Fajita Chicken Pasta Skillet brings together tender fajita-spiced chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, it is an easy and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Save With a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks looking for a flavorful meal that doesn't sacrifice quality for speed.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 300 g (10 oz) penne or rotini pasta
- 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) chicken broth
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 120 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 60 g (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat and marinate for 10 minutes.
- 2. Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 3. Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
- 4. Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté bell peppers and onion for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 5. Combine Liquids
- Return chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add cooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- 6. Add Cheeses
- Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
- 7. Final Seasoning
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 8. Garnish and Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, and jalapeños if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a juicier and more tender result, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. To ensure the sauce remains smooth, keep the heat on low when stirring in the cheddar and mozzarella.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For those who prefer extra heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade or serve the dish with your favorite hot sauce. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free pasta and verify all ingredient labels.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this rich and creamy skillet with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Mexican lager. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side to allow everyone to customize the citrus levels.
Save This hearty meal contains 620 calories per serving, along with 40g of protein and 60g of carbohydrates. Please note that this dish contains dairy and gluten.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor development. Cook it just before assembling the skillet for best results.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. You can also use farfalle or fusilli for texture variety.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute certified gluten-free pasta in the same quantity. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making adaptation straightforward.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Use about 600g and cut them into similar-sized strips for even cooking.
- → What can I serve alongside this skillet?
Pair with a crisp green salad, tortilla chips with guacamole, or Mexican rice. A cold Sauvignon Blanc or Mexican lager complements the flavors perfectly.
- → How do I add more heat to this dish?
Increase the chili powder to 3 teaspoons, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the marinade, or serve with hot sauce on the side for adjustable spice levels.