Chicken Fajita Pasta
A classic one pot pasta meal with a twist, our Chicken Fajita Pasta is a dependable meal that we enjoy!
Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Recipe
Inspired by a combination of our Cajun Sausage Pasta and a trending pasta recipe on TikTok, this one skillet meal is full of flavor.
Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese is a great meal to try when you don’t know what to make for dinner and feel stuck in a routine. A fun spin on traditional boxed shells and cheese recipe, this version tastes comfortingly familiar yet excitingly new.
Similar to our Baked Chicken Tacos and Mexican Noodle Casserole, this is a unique blend of flavors between Mexican and American wrapped in a cheesy noodle dish.
Why This Recipe Works
- Fajita seasoning gives the chicken a burst of flavor and helps create a balanced, all-in-one meal.
- Everything including the pasta cooks in one deep skillet in under 30 minutes.
- The leftovers of this family friendly dinner reheat well.
- Chicken and vegetables can be chopped ahead of time to help make meal prep easier – or leftover chicken and fajita veggies can be mixed to this Fajita Chicken Pasta recipe.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken – boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Fajita Seasoning – taco seasoning can work fine too.
- Oil – to keep the chicken and veggies from sticking to the skillet.
- Bell Peppers – need an equivalent of 2, I like to use a combination of red, yellow and orange peppers.
- Sweet Onion & Minced Garlic
- Chicken Broth
- Heavy Whipping Cream – milk is not an equal substitute.
- Can of Petite Tomatoes – the liquid is need to cook the pasta.
- Shell Pasta – medium shells work well, elbow macaroni is a reasonable substitute too.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta
Trim the chicken breasts, cut into 1/2″ slices and then smaller than bite size cubes. Try to make equally sized cubes that will cook evenly.
Set a deep skillet to medium high heat and add oil. Once oil is hot add chicken, coat with fajita season and stir until cooked through.
Set aside on a plate, then add chopped peppers and onion to she skillet. Stir often and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes.
Once veggies are tender add broth, whipping cream and the full can of undrained tomatoes. Stir well and then stir in uncooked pasta.
Cover and cook on medium high heat for 14 to 16 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom. If necessary add more chicken broth 1/4 cup at a time, but this should not be necessary as we have tested the recipe multiple times.
Once all ingredients are cooked through and liquid is absorbed add chicken to the skillet and stir in.
Sprinkle cheese over the top, let melt and enjoy!
We tested the original TikTok recipe that has a lot of milk and it had a weird consistency. We continued experimenting until we can up with this streamlined recipe that is easier to make and more full flavored from the combination of fire roasted tomatoes and heavy whipping cream.
More Easy Family Meal Ideas
- Baked Ziti with Provolone and Sour Cream
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Peanut Butter Pork Chops
- No-Peek Chicken and Wild Rice
Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 cup sweet onion chopped
- 2 bell peppers sliced coarsley
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 14.5 ounce can petite fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 pound medium shell pasta
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon parsley optional
Instructions
- Trim chicken breast and cut into 1/2" or smaller slices and then cut into cubes.2 pounds chicken breasts
- In a skillet with deep sides or a dutch oven heat oil over medium high heat.2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Carefully add chicken to skillet.
- Sprinkle fajita seasoning over the chicken and stir well to coat the meat. Continue to stir often until the meat is cooked through.3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- Once cooked through set chicken aside on a plate.
- Add onion and pepper to the pan and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Then add garlic and sauté until tender.1 cup sweet onion, 2 bell peppers, 4 cloves garlic
- Add chicken broth, whipping cream and undrained tomatoes. Stir well.2 3/4 cups chicken broth, 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 14.5 ounce can petite fire roasted tomatoes
- Add uncooked box of pasta and stir gently. Cover and cook on medium high heat for 14 to 16 minutes until the pasta is tender.1 pound medium shell pasta
- Stir in cooked chicken.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheese. Cover to melt.2 cups cheddar cheese
- Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm!1 teaspoon parsley
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