Crispy Chicken Fajita Pasta Cups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The savory combination of tender chicken, sautéed peppers, smoky spices, and pasta creates a deliciously unique bite in every cup.

• Fun Presentation: The crispy tortilla cups are a fun and visually appealing way to serve a meal, making it perfect for parties or special gatherings.

• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients like the cheese or veggies to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner that’s both quick and satisfying.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family or guests, these fajita pasta cups will disappear fast and leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup sour cream

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

• 12 taco-sized flour tortillas

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

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Remove from heat.

5. Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetable mixture. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and gently fold until everything is well mixed.

6. Prepare Tortilla Cups: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a muffin tin, gently press each tortilla into the cup of the muffin tray, creating a cup shape. You may need to slightly overlap the edges.

7. Fill the Cups: Spoon the chicken and pasta mixture into each tortilla cup, filling them generously.

8. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and slightly golden brown.

9. Serve: Let the cups cool for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm with sour cream on the side and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add some jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for extra heat.

• Cheese Swap: Try using a blend of Mexican cheeses, such as Monterrey Jack or a spicy pepper jack, for a different flavor.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables for a delicious meat-free version of this recipe.

• Taco Style: Top the cups with your favorite taco toppings such as guacamole, salsa, or shredded lettuce for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Leftover pasta cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the filled tortilla cups before baking. To bake, place them straight from the freezer into a preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any pasta shape will work in this recipe, including penne, rigatoni, or rotini.

How can I make these cups crispy without overbaking?

Make sure you bake them just long enough for the tortillas to become golden and crispy but not too long to burn. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and veggie mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the cups just before baking for a quick meal.

Can I make these cups gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free tortillas and ensure the pasta is gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt, which provides a similar creamy texture and tang.

Can I make these without a muffin tin?

If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can try shaping the tortillas into cups by baking them on an oven-safe bowl or another tray with the tortilla edges hanging over the sides.

How can I keep the tortilla cups from being too hard?

To avoid overly crispy or hard tortilla cups, be sure not to bake them too long. Once the cups are golden brown, remove them from the oven.

Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken?

Yes, ground chicken can be used instead of diced chicken if you prefer a different texture. Just cook it thoroughly and season as instructed.

Can I use other vegetables?

Definitely! You can add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for added flavor and texture.

What can I serve with these pasta cups?

These Crispy Chicken Fajita Pasta Cups pair well with a side salad, rice, or even some chips and salsa for a full meal.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Fajita Pasta Cups are a deliciously fun and satisfying meal that combines all the flavors of chicken fajitas with the comforting texture of pasta. The crispy tortilla cups elevate this dish, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. With their colorful filling and delicious blend of spices, these pasta cups are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!