Name: Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred type); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

This fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian cuisine is a weeknight hero—easy to make, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy the taste of chicken fajitas in a cozy pasta dish. The creamy sauce mellows out the fajita spices just enough, making it perfect for all spice levels. Best of all, it uses simple ingredients and comes together in one skillet, saving time on cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Red, yellow, and green bell peppers
Onion
Garlic
Fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
Salt and pepper
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then sauté sliced bell peppers and onion until tender.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in fajita seasoning, then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
Add cream cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is around 20 to 25 minutes.

Variations

Spicier version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for black beans or grilled portobello mushrooms.
Low-carb version: Serve the creamy fajita mixture over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra spice.
Add-ins: Stir in corn or black beans for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, and stir until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Avoid freezing as the cream-based sauce may separate.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your fajita seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just skip the chicken cooking step and add it when you combine everything.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

You can try using full-fat coconut milk in place of cream and dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, but note the flavor and texture will change slightly.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowties hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Corn, mushrooms, or even spinach make great additions to this dish.

What if I don’t have fajita seasoning?

You can mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne to make your own.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Make sure to reduce the heat before adding cream and stir gently until it blends smoothly with the broth and cheese.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Will the sauce thicken as it cools?

Yes, the sauce thickens as it sits. If needed, add a splash of warm broth or cream when reheating to adjust the consistency.

Can I use other meats?

Yes, shrimp or sliced steak are excellent alternatives to chicken in this recipe.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines the zesty flair of fajitas with the richness of a creamy pasta dish. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable—perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. Once you try it, it’ll surely become a regular in your meal rotation.