Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta

Indulge in the bold, zesty flavors of this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta, where Tex-Mex meets comforting Italian cuisine in a single skillet. Tender penne pasta is tossed with juicy, spice-rubbed chicken strips, vibrant sautéed bell peppers, and onions, all coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and melted cheddar cheese. Seasoned with a medley of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, this dish captures the smoky essence of classic fajitas with a creamy twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this 40-minute, one-pan wonder is easy to prepare and loaded with flavor in every bite. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of freshness, and pair it with a crisp salad or warm tortillas for a complete Tex-Mex-inspired feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large bell peppers (assorted colors, sliced)
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup cilantro (chopped, optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season them with chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender but slightly crisp. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the flavors.

Step 7

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and creamy.

Step 8

Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2081.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3703.5

Total Fat 168.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 746.6mg	0%
Sodium 4630.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 302.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.7g	0%
Total Sugars 24.2g
Protein 223.1g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 1001.7mg	0%
Iron 22.9mg	0%
Potassium 3661.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 33.5%