Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
User Reviews
4.9
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Description
This dish starts by cooking pasta to al dente, reserving a bit of pasta water for sauce adjustment. Chicken breast pieces are seasoned with fajita spice blend and cooked until browned and through, retaining moisture and flavor. Sliced bell peppers and onions are then sautéed with garlic to tender-crisp texture, contributing color and sweetness.
The cream sauce forms as heavy cream and reserved pasta water simmer with cheese melted in, enveloping the pasta and vegetables for a smooth, rich coating. The blend of fajita seasoning spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder among others – imparts a mild heat and complexity typical of fajitas.
This pasta serves as a hearty main dish, bringing classic Tex-Mex flavors into a creamy pasta format. Fresh cilantro garnish (optional) adds brightness and contrast to the creamy sauce.
To prepare the fajita seasoning, a mix of cornstarch, chili powder, salt, paprika, cumin, onion, garlic powders, and cayenne pepper is combined, allowing customization of spice levels. Using pre-cut frozen bell peppers can save time without compromising taste.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta any shape
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into small bite size pieces (about 1/2 inch, boneless skinless
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning homemade or store bought packet, see note below for recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bell pepper any color, seeded and sliced
- 1 onion sliced, medium
- 5-6 cloves garlic minced, fresh
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions (al-dente). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken breast pieces with fajita seasoning. Heat oil in a large heavy-duty pan or pot to medium/ high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic to pan. Stir for 2-3 minutes or until onion is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the reserved pasta water. Bring to a gentle simmer then stir in the pasta and cheese. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and all the flavors are combined.
- Top with fresh minced cilantro, serve immediately.
Notes
- The homemade fajita seasoning blends spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper for authentic flavor.
- Pre-cut frozen bell peppers can be a convenient substitute for fresh to save preparation time.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 576 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 576kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 403mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 819mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 2429IU | 49% |
| Vitamin C | 82mg | 91% |
| Calcium | 200mg | 20% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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