There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-skillet dinner that brings bold flavors and creamy textures together in a single comforting dish. This Chicken Fajita Pasta Skillet is exactly that—a meal that blends the smoky spice of classic fajitas with the richness of a creamy pasta, all made in one pan. In just 30 minutes, you get a hearty, flavor-forward dinner that doesn’t sacrifice convenience for taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe delivers with every bite.
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Chicken Fajita Pasta Skillet: A One-Pan Weeknight Wonder
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A bold and creamy one-pan dinner, this Chicken Fajita Pasta Skillet combines seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, and pasta in a rich sauce that’s perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Fajita Seasoning:
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
Pasta:
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized strips
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 medium bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 1/2 cups whole or 2% milk
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
16 ounces short tube-shaped pasta
1 to 2 cups shredded mild melting cheese
Fresh lime juice, chopped chives, sliced avocado (optional for serving)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix together all of the fajita seasoning ingredients until evenly combined.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry, season lightly with salt and pepper, and add it to the pan in an even layer. Sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of the seasoning blend and cook, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Add the bell peppers and onion to the same skillet along with another teaspoon of seasoning. If the pan seems dry, drizzle in a little more oil. Cook until the onions soften and the peppers are just tender. Move the vegetables to the plate with the chicken.
4. Pour the chicken broth, milk, and diced tomatoes into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the pasta, remaining seasoning, and about 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
5. Return the chicken and vegetables to the skillet and stir until heated through. Add the cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Finish with fresh lime juice, if using, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve warm, topped with chopped chives, avocado slices, and extra lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Feel free to swap the chicken for sliced sausage or shrimp.
For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why This Chicken Fajita Pasta Skillet Is a Must-Try
When you think of chicken fajitas, sizzling strips of spiced meat and charred vegetables probably come to mind. This skillet takes everything you love about fajitas and gives it a pasta twist, creating a dinner that’s equal parts familiar and fresh. Using homemade fajita seasoning instead of a store-bought packet means you’re in full control of the flavor profile—spicy, smoky, savory, or mild—it’s up to you.
The best part? It all comes together in one skillet. You sauté, simmer, and stir everything in the same pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax. It’s the kind of meal that checks every box: easy cleanup, bold taste, family-friendly, and downright satisfying.
And let’s talk about texture. You get juicy chicken, crisp-tender bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta, all bound together with creamy cheese and warm spices. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chives just before serving brightens everything up beautifully. It’s a balance of comfort and freshness that keeps this dish in regular rotation.
Building Flavor with Homemade Fajita Seasoning
If you’ve never made your own fajita seasoning, this is the time to start. It only takes a few pantry staples—chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika—but the flavor payoff is huge. Unlike store-bought packets that often come loaded with sodium and preservatives, this blend is pure flavor and nothing else.
Toasting the spices lightly as they hit the skillet brings out their essential oils and deepens their aroma. That extra minute of care is what gives the dish its unmistakable depth, especially when it comes time to simmer everything together.
Another benefit of homemade seasoning is flexibility. Want more heat? Add crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne. Prefer smoky over spicy? Smoked paprika is your friend. It’s a small step that sets the tone for the entire dish, making it uniquely yours every time.
Crafting the Perfect Chicken and Veggie Base
The soul of any good fajita is the seared protein, and here, juicy chicken breast is the star. Patting it dry before it hits the skillet ensures a nice golden crust instead of a watery steam. A generous sprinkle of seasoning and a quick sauté is all it takes to lock in flavor. Once cooked, the chicken rests while the vegetables take the spotlight.
Diced bell peppers and onions are added next, sizzling in the same pan and picking up all the delicious browned bits left behind. This is where the fajita magic happens—the veggies absorb the seasoning and develop a slight char that mirrors the classic fajita sizzle.
By layering each component—chicken, veggies, and finally the pasta—you’re building a base that’s rich, complex, and deeply satisfying. This isn’t just pasta with chicken. It’s a full-flavored, multidimensional skillet dinner with Tex-Mex flair.
The Creamy Pasta Finish That Pulls It All Together
Once the chicken and veggies are set aside, it’s time for the pasta to take a creamy turn. The broth, milk, and tomatoes come together in the skillet, creating a rich and savory liquid base that infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks. There’s no need for a separate pot or pre-boiling—the pasta softens and soaks up everything right in the skillet.
Choosing the right cheese is essential here. You want something that melts smoothly and blends into the sauce without clumping. Mild melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella work beautifully, delivering a creamy, almost velvety finish that binds the entire dish.
When you stir the chicken and vegetables back in, it becomes a complete meal in one pan. The finishing touches—fresh lime juice, chives, maybe even a few avocado slices—add a burst of freshness and color that brings everything into balance. It’s comfort food, but lighter, brighter, and undeniably irresistible.
Skillet Dinners Made for Busy Nights
This Chicken Fajita Pasta Skillet fits perfectly into the world of easy creamy pasta dinners, but it stands out with its Tex-Mex personality. Where traditional creamy chicken pastas tend to be rich and indulgent, this one adds layers of spice, acid, and texture that keep your palate engaged from the first bite to the last.
It’s also a hit with families. Kids love the cheesy pasta, while adults appreciate the punchy seasoning and colorful veggies. With eight generous servings, it’s perfect for casual get-togethers or meal prepping ahead of the week. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great choice for lunches or second-day dinners.
Looking for variety? You can easily swap in other proteins like sliced sausage or even shrimp for a quick twist. In fact, it pairs well with garlic sausage pasta if you’re planning a two-dish dinner night. Add a green salad or some crusty bread, and you’ve got a feast with minimal fuss.
FAQs About Chicken Fajita Pasta Skillet
What’s the best pasta for fajita pasta?
Short, tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni works best. They hold sauce well and blend easily with the chicken and vegetables, ensuring every bite is well balanced.
Can I make fajita pasta with fajita mix?
Yes, you can substitute homemade seasoning with your favorite store-bought fajita mix if you’re short on time. Just be mindful of sodium levels and adjust salt accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
Is fajita pasta spicy or mild?
That depends on your spice tolerance. The base recipe leans toward a medium level of heat, but you can easily adjust by increasing or reducing the chili powder. Add hot sauce or cayenne if you prefer it spicier.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Absolutely. This recipe is versatile—try it with boneless thighs, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times as needed for your protein choice.
Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Skillet That Delivers Every Time
This Chicken Fajita Pasta Skillet is more than just another creamy chicken dinner. It’s a celebration of bold spices, comforting textures, and effortless cooking. From the first bite of tender chicken and charred vegetables to the last twirl of cheesy, tomato-infused pasta, every element comes together in perfect harmony.
With endless room for customization, it’s a dish you can tweak to your taste and return to again and again. Whether you’re craving Tex-Mex, pressed for time, or simply want a one-pan wonder that satisfies every craving, this skillet delivers. So grab your pan and get cooking—flavor this bold doesn’t wait.
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