One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta – Creamy, Flavorful, and Ready in 30 Minutes

If you love Tex-Mex flavors but also crave creamy, cozy pasta, this One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is the perfect recipe to add to your weekly rotation. It delivers everything people adore about sizzling fajitas — juicy chicken, tender peppers, smoky fajita seasoning — and blends it with a silky, cheesy pasta sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Even better, it all cooks in one single pot, making cleanup minimal and dinner fast.

This pasta is ideal for busy weeknights, picky eaters, big families, or anyone who appreciates a hearty meal that still tastes fresh and vibrant. It’s packed with protein, rich in bold spices, and balanced with sweetness from sautéed bell peppers. With just the right amount of creamy sauce and the perfect mix of tender noodles, this dish becomes the kind you make once and immediately add to your “make again soon” list.

Let’s get started with everything you need to make this powerhouse one-pot meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 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)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional but recommended)
• 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or deep skillet. Add chicken strips and half the fajita seasoning. Cook until lightly browned and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
   In the same pot, add sliced peppers and onions. Sauté until tender and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and cook one more minute.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta
   Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (optional), remaining fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil.
4. Add Pasta
   Reduce heat to medium and add the pasta. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Make It Creamy
   Once the pasta is tender, reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Return Chicken to Pot
   Add cooked chicken back into the sauce, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
7. Finish and Serve
   Squeeze in fresh lime juice, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.

One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

A creamy, flavorful chicken fajita pasta made in one pot with tender chicken, peppers, fajita seasoning, and a rich, cheesy sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken Fajita Pasta

• 1 lb chicken breast sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
• 1 green bell pepper sliced
• 1 onion sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes optional
• 8 oz pasta penne or rotini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups cheddar or Mexican blend cheese shredded
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 lime juiced
• cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot or deep skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Stirring spoon

Method

 

1. Heat oil and butter in a pot. Add chicken and half the fajita seasoning; cook until browned. Remove chicken.
2. Add peppers and onions to the pot; sauté until softened. Add garlic.
3. Add broth, diced tomatoes, remaining seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Add pasta and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce heat; stir in cream and cheese until melted.
6. Return chicken to the pot and mix well.
7. Add lime juice and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika.

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Pasta

• Slice chicken thinly so it cooks evenly and stays tender.
• Use different colored peppers to boost sweetness and visual appeal.
• Don’t skip lime — it brightens the whole dish.
• Add jalapeños for extra heat.
• Make it lighter using half-and-half instead of cream.

Fun Variations

• Creamy Chicken Fajita Alfredo: Add Parmesan for a fusion twist.
• Spicy Version: Add chipotle peppers in adobo.
• Southwest Style: Add black beans and corn.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for cooked cauliflower florets.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your fajita pasta with:

• Warm tortillas on the side
• A crisp green salad
• Avocado slices or guacamole
• Extra lime wedges

This dish is fantastic for meal prep, reheats beautifully, and keeps well for lunches all week.