If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s equal parts speedy, creamy, and bursting with bold Tex-Mex flair, you absolutely have to try my Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta. Tender chicken, sweet peppers, and a rich, smoky sauce come together with pasta and cheddar for a one-pan meal that’s a little bit addictive and totally cozy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy and Satisfying: Double cream and cheddar bring restaurant-style richness to every forkful.
- Speedy One-Pan Magic: Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is ready in just 20 minutes—hello, effortless dinner!
- Big Southwestern Flavors: Smoky fajita seasoning, juicy chicken, sweet peppers, and onions mean every bite is a fiesta.
- Family-Friendly (and Perfect for Leftovers): Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds, and it reheats beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta so special is that it’s built from familiar, easy-to-find ingredients—each one adding its own bit of character, color, and comfort. Here’s what you’ll need for the dreamiest pasta night!
- Pasta (300g or 10.5 oz): Any short shape (penne, fusilli, rigatoni) will drink up that creamy sauce perfectly.
- Olive Oil (3 tbsp): For searing the chicken and softening the veggies while adding a hint of fruity richness.
- Chicken Breast, Diced (400g or 1 lb): Tender bites of protein that anchor the dish—thighs work too for a juicier result!
- Fajita Seasoning (30g or 1 oz): This Tex-Mex blend adds all the punchy flavor you need in one handy packet.
- Onion (1 medium): Sautéed until golden, it brings mellow sweetness and classic fajita vibes.
- Red Bell Pepper (1): Red peppers add natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Green Bell Pepper (1): For a subtle, grassy bite and that signature fajita look.
- Double Cream (150ml or 3/4 cup): The backbone of the sauce—go for heavy cream if you’re outside the UK.
- Cheddar Cheese, Grated (100g or 3.5 oz): Melts to glossy, cheesy perfection for unbeatable richness.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For that final, fragrant kick. Adjust to taste!
Variations
The real beauty of Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is just how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re working with what you have, catering to dietary preferences, or just in the mood for something a bit different, here are my tried-and-true swaps!
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for drained canned black beans, roasted chickpeas, or even a handful of sautéed mushrooms!
- Spice It Up: Add diced fresh jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika for a hot-and-smoky boost.
- Change Up the Cheese: Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella will melt beautifully and each bring their own flavor vibe.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of double cream, and go easy on the cheese for a slightly lighter sauce.
How to Make Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, drop in your pasta, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out a cup of the pasta water—this liquid gold helps create the silkiest sauce later!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and cooked through. This is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Add Fajita Seasoning & Veggies
Sprinkle the fajita seasoning all over the chicken and give everything a good toss to coat. Let it sizzle for a minute so the spices bloom, then stir in the sliced onion, red pepper, and green pepper. Fry together for another 4–5 minutes until the veggies soften and start to caramelize at the edges.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the double cream and let it bubble for about a minute. The sauce will start coming together—rich, fragrant, and pepper-studded!
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Stir your drained pasta right into the pan with everything else. If the sauce feels thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your ideal creaminess. Scatter over the grated cheddar and stir again until it melts into the velvety sauce. Season generously with black pepper, and you’re ready to serve up Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta!
Pro Tips for Making Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
- Searing the Chicken Right: For golden bites, don’t crowd the pan—let the chicken pieces sit undisturbed for a minute or two before flipping.
- Veggie Texture: Slice peppers and onions a touch thicker if you love a little crunch, or thinner for extra tenderness.
- Reserve That Pasta Water: The starchy goodness from boiling the pasta is the key to a lusciously silky sauce—add a splash at a time to keep things creamy, never clumpy.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Add the cheddar after taking the pan off the heat for an ultra-smooth, never gritty sauce.
How to Serve Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Garnishes
I love to top my Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta with a shower of fresh chopped cilantro, a few slices of spring onion, and an extra crack of black pepper. If you want to get fancy, a little lime zest or a dollop of sour cream on the side makes every bite taste even brighter and creamier!
Side Dishes
This one-pan pasta is rich enough to stand alone, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, try serving it with a crisp mixed green salad or some classic garlic bread for scooping up all that luscious sauce. For extra color and freshness, grilled corn on the cob or a pico de gallo salad also make dreamy companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, spoon the pasta into a big serving dish and top with plenty of colorful peppers and fresh herbs—let everyone help themselves! To serve individually, load into shallow pasta bowls and swirl the noodles for a restaurant-style look, adding a swoosh of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar or crumbled tortilla chips for crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a brilliant lunch or dinner the next day!
Freezing
This pasta can be frozen, though creamy sauces can sometimes separate a bit upon thawing. For best results, portion it out and freeze as soon as it’s cooled, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to revive the creaminess. Or, for a quick fix, microwave in a covered bowl—stir halfway to ensure even heating and smooth out the sauce again before digging in!
FAQs
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Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Shred or dice your cooked rotisserie chicken and stir it in at the same point you would add the raw chicken—just warm it through with the veggies and seasoning before proceeding, since it doesn’t need to cook as long.
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Is there a gluten-free option for Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your fajita seasoning blend doesn’t contain any gluten-based fillers. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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What if I don’t have double cream?
No worries—heavy cream, thickened cream, or even full-fat crème fraîche can stand in. For a slightly lighter version, try half-and-half or evaporated milk (but the sauce will be a bit less rich).
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Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sweetcorn, or even baby spinach (tossed in at the end to wilt) all fit in perfectly, adding flavor and color without complicating the recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort with a twist and inspired by the bold, sunny flavors of Tex-Mex, Easiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is your new go-to. I hope you’ll share it with friends, cozy up to it on a weeknight, or treat yourself to leftovers at lunch! Grab your pan and dive in—you’re going to fall in love with every creamy, flavor-packed bite.
PrintEasiest Ever Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of tender chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy sauce, all served over a bed of pasta. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) pasta
Chicken:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 400 g (1 lb) chicken breast, diced
- 30 g (1 ounce) fajita seasoning
Veggies:
- 1 medium onion
- 1 red pepper
- 1 green pepper
Sauce:
- 150 ml (3/4 cup) double cream
- 100 g (3.5 oz) cheddar, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden. Add fajita seasoning, then onions and peppers.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the double cream and let it bubble. Add the cooked pasta, some pasta water, and cheddar. Stir until melted.
- Season and Serve: Season with black pepper and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and the pasta is hot.
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of fajita seasoning used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg