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This creamy chicken fajita pasta blends bold spice with comforting richness for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable. It is my go to recipe when I want something fast hearty and family pleasing without much fuss
I first made this on a rainy Tuesday when I needed a quick crowd pleaser and now my kids ask for it every week
Ingredients
- Pasta: eight ounces dry choose rotini or penne for sauce cling
- Butter: one tablespoon adds richness and helps brown chicken
- Chicken breasts: two small cubed for fast even cooking
- Smoked paprika: one tablespoon gives warm depth seek out fresh spice
- Garlic powder: half tablespoon provides rounded savory flavor
- Fajita seasoning: one tablespoon premade or homemade for bold punch
- Onion: one finely diced forms flavor base
- Red bell pepper: one diced adds sweetness and color
- Green bell pepper: one diced offers mild bitterness for balance
- Garlic clove: one minced added late for aromatic punch
- Chicken broth: one cup binds flavors with savory body
- Heavy cream: half cup adds indulgent creaminess
- Mozzarella cheese: one cup shredded for gooey melt
- Fresh parsley: handful chopped brightens and finishes
Instructions
- Boil and Prep Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions drain and reserve a quarter cup of pasta water cover pasta to keep warm
- Sauté Chicken and Vegetables:
- Melt butter in an oven safe skillet over medium high heat add cubed chicken season with paprika garlic powder and fajita seasoning cook for about four to five minutes add onion red pepper and green pepper stir and cook until peppers soften and chicken is fully cooked through
- Add Garlic and Build Sauce:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for thirty seconds to release aroma pour in chicken broth and heavy cream stir and simmer for four to five minutes until slightly thickened
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Pour reserved pasta water into skillet stir in cooked pasta toss gently to coat every noodle in the creamy spiced sauce
- Broil with Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top place skillet under broiler on high watch closely broil for one to two minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling
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Storage Tips
Let pasta cool fully before storing to prevent sogginess use airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days for longer storage freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken for shrimp steak or sausage use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for dairy free or try cheddar in place of mozzarella for a sharper flavor fettuccine works great too if that is what you have
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Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and lime wedges add warm tortillas on the side for scooping or serve with roasted corn for a full Tex Mex spread
Cultural Context
This dish merges Mexican and Italian influences blending classic fajita spices with pasta and cheese while not traditional it reflects the creativity of modern fusion comfort food loved in family kitchens across the world
The mozzarella melt on top is always my favorite bite and when I made this with steak for my husband on his birthday he said it beat the restaurant version
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! This dish works well with many pasta shapes like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. Choose what suits your texture preference.
- → Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety to maintain texture and enjoy the same flavors.
- → Can I replace chicken with another meat?
Yes, steak, shrimp, or chorizo make excellent alternatives. Each brings a unique flavor twist to the dish.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- → Can this be frozen for later?
Yes. Store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or oven until warmed through.
- → What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is ideal for its melting quality, but you can also try Monterey Jack or cheddar for added depth.