Description
This creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta combines all the bold, smoky flavors of classic fajitas with the comforting creaminess of cheesy pasta—all made in one pan. It’s a quick, hearty, and family-friendly dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
2 tsp sunflower oil
500 g (1.1 lb) chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, cut into strips
1 onion, peeled and cut into wedges
2 red peppers, deseeded and cut into strips
3 tsp cumin
3 tsp paprika
1 tsp mild chilli powder
3 tsp garlic powder
250 g (9 oz) dried pasta
750 ml (3.25 cups) chicken stock
400 g (14 oz) tinned tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
100 g (4 oz) cream cheese (optional)
75 g (3 oz) cheddar cheese, grated
4 spring onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the sunflower oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook for about 5 minutes until browned all over.
- Add the onion, peppers, cumin, paprika, chilli powder, and garlic powder. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Add the dried pasta, chicken stock, tinned tomatoes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover with a lid and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, the chicken is cooked through, and the sauce has thickened.
- Preheat the grill to high.
- Turn off the heat, stir in the cream cheese until smooth, and sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.
- Place the pan under the grill for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Sprinkle with chopped spring onions (if using) and serve immediately.
Notes
Use leftover roast chicken to make the recipe even quicker.
Swap the chicken for black beans or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Adjust spice levels by adding cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
Use low-fat cream cheese or yogurt for a lighter option.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan / Stovetop and Grill
- Cuisine: Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
