Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Delight
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken fajitas with the comforting texture of pasta. This recipe is not only easy to make but also quick, making it a perfect option for busy weeknight dinners. The creamy sauce, made with cream cheese and fire-roasted tomatoes, envelops every bite, ensuring a flavorful experience.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta because it brings together the best of both worlds: the classic flavors of fajitas and the nutritious goodness of pasta. It’s a one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. Furthermore, this dish is customizable; you can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies. It’s a wholesome, delicious choice that your whole family will love.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients :
- 2 tsp chili powder* ($0.20)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.10)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp cumin ($0.02)
- 1/8 tsp cayenne ($0.02)
- 1/2 tsp sugar ($0.01)
- 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.04)
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (about 0.75 lb.) ($2.00)
- 1 (142g) green bell pepper, diced ($0.86)
- 1 (284g) yellow onion, diced ($0.70)
- 15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes ($1.29)
- 4 oz cream cheese ($0.88)
- 8 oz (227g) dried pasta (any shape) ($0.62)
- 2 green onions, sliced ($0.24)
Directions :
- Combine the spices for the fajita spice mix in a bowl and set aside. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and cut the chicken breast into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and continue to boil until tender (7-10 minutes, or according to the package directions). Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside until ready to use.
- While waiting for the pasta to cook, heat 1 Tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the cubed chicken and the fajita spice mix. Sauté the chicken and spices until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a clean bowl.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and continue to sauté over medium heat just until they begin to soften slightly on the edges and have a little brown color. Add the canned tomatoes (with juices) and the cream cheese. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the cream cheese melts in and forms a creamy sauce with the tomatoes.
- Finally, add the cooked and drained pasta and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in the creamy sauce. Top with sliced green onions and serve.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Serve Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta hot, garnished with sliced green onions. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. If you like it spicier, consider adding some sliced jalapeños on top for an extra kick.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or some extra cream cheese to regain the creaminess.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
- Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or beef if you prefer.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
- Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using extra vegetables like mushrooms and black beans for protein.
FAQs
-
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine them when ready to serve. -
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced fresh jalapeños for an extra kick. -
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or any other creamy cheese you prefer.
Enjoy your Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta and its wonderful flavors!
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients
Fajita Spice Mix
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (about 0.75 lb.)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced (142g)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (284g)
- 15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz dried pasta (any shape) (227g)
- 2 medium green onions, sliced
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the spices for the fajita spice mix in a bowl and set aside.
- Dice the onion and bell pepper, and cut the chicken breast into 1/2-inch cubes.
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and continue to boil until tender (7-10 minutes, or according to the package directions). Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside until ready to use.
Cooking Chicken
- While waiting for the pasta to cook, heat 1 Tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the cubed chicken and the fajita spice mix. Sauté the chicken and spices until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a clean bowl.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and continue to sauté over medium heat just until they begin to soften slightly on the edges and have a little brown color.
- Add the canned tomatoes (with juices) and the cream cheese. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the cream cheese melts in and forms a creamy sauce with the tomatoes.
- Finally, add the cooked and drained pasta and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Top with sliced green onions and serve.
