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One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again
If your family loves bold Tex-Mex flavors, creamy pasta dishes, and meals that require minimal cleanup, this One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta will instantly become a favorite. It delivers everything we crave in a cozy, comforting dinner: juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, tender pasta, smoky fajita seasoning, a silky sauce, and fresh lime to brighten every bite. Even better—this entire meal cooks in one pot from start to finish.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hungry teenagers, or simply craving a restaurant-style Tex-Mex pasta at home, this dish checks every box. It’s fast, easy, budget-friendly, and loaded with flavor. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since the pasta cooks directly in the seasoned broth, absorbing every bit of fajita goodness.
In this complete FoodieMoms-style guide, we’ll walk you through the entire recipe, share ingredients and step-by-step instructions, offer expert tips, variations, and serving ideas, and provide the full recipe JSON you requested—everything optimized for SEO and ready to publish.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
There’s something irresistible about blending fajita flavors with creamy pasta. The smoky paprika, cumin, chili powder, and lime pair beautifully with soft noodles and chicken. But beyond that delicious combination, here’s why this recipe is such a hit:
✔ One Pot = No Mess
Everything cooks together, from the chicken to the pasta to the sauce.
✔ Family-Friendly Flavors
Even spice-sensitive kids enjoy this dish.
✔ Cooks in Under 35 Minutes
The perfect weeknight dinner you can whip up without stress.
✔ Amazingly Creamy Without Being Heavy
A touch of cream and cheese gives a luscious texture without overpowering the fajita spices.
✔ Customizable
Add corn, black beans, or spice it up with jalapeños.
✔ Meal Prep Approved
Leftovers reheat beautifully and stay creamy.
Ingredients You Need
The ingredients are simple pantry staples, making this recipe easy to prepare anytime.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar/Monterey jack)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (plus wedges for serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast, season with half the fajita seasoning, and cook 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
2. Add the Vegetables
Stir in the bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked pasta. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and remaining fajita seasoning. Stir.
6. Melt in the Cheese
Add the shredded cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.
7. Add Lime and Cilantro
Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro for brightness.
8. Serve Hot
Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or even a sprinkle of queso fresco.
One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
A creamy, flavorful one-pot chicken fajita pasta loaded with peppers, tender chicken, and smoky fajita seasoning. A quick and easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and half the fajita seasoning. Cook 5–6 minutes until browned.
- Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and add the pasta. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Cover and cook on medium heat 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining fajita seasoning.
- Add shredded cheese and stir until sauce becomes creamy.
- Mix in lime juice and chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use more broth if needed for saucier pasta. Add jalapeños for heat or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fajita Pasta
Use Freshly Sliced Chicken
Thin, even strips cook quickly and absorb more seasoning.
Don’t Skip the Lime
It balances the creaminess and brings the whole dish to life.
Let the Pasta Absorb the Liquid
Cooking the pasta in broth gives a richer, deeper flavor.
Use a Large Enough Pot
To avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
Want Extra Creaminess?
Add 2 oz cream cheese in Step 5.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or use pepper jack cheese.
Veggie-Packed Version
Add:
- Corn
- Black beans
- Zucchini
- Spinach
Creamy Chipotle Version
Add 1–2 tbsp canned chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick.
Protein Swaps
- Shrimp
- Steak
- Ground chicken
- Rotisserie chicken (added in last 5 minutes)
What to Serve with Chicken Fajita Pasta
This recipe stands strong on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Warm tortillas
- Garlic bread
- Mexican rice
- Avocado salad
- Roasted corn
- Grilled vegetables
Leftovers & Storage
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (add a splash of cream after reheating)
- Reheat: Low and slow on the stove or microwave with a bit of broth
This pasta tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.