Chicken Fajita Pasta

This chicken fajita pasta is bold, creamy, crave-worthy and easy, combining tender pasta, juicy chicken and Tex-Mex flavors in one skillet.

Can’t decide between pasta night and fajita night? Do as any comfort food lover and choose both. Smoky spices, colorful bell peppers, garlic, Rotel tomatoes and a cheesy, creamy sauce pull it all together in a one-pot dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Why you’ll love this chicken fajita pasta

✅ Tex-Mex flavor bomb: Fajita spices + creamy pasta = a perfect combo
✅ One-pot meal: No need to juggle multiple pots because everything comes together in a single skillet.
✅ Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove.
✅ Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins or turn up the heat.
✅ Hearty and satisfying: Each serving is packed with 40g of protein and big flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make chicken fajita pasta:

• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• Bell peppers: Use any color — red, yellow, and green all bring something to the party.
• Onion: Sliced thin for that signature fajita texture.
• Chicken breast: Cooked, chopped, and seasoned to perfection.
• Pasta: Use your favorite kind — penne, rotini, or shells all work well.
• Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: Adds heat and acidity.
• Garlic: Fresh minced for depth and aroma.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: The liquid base to cook the pasta.
• Heavy cream: Brings creamy richness.
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melty, flavorful, and perfect for that final cheesy finish.

Fajita seasoning blend

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional but highly recommended)
• ½ tsp salt

👉 Tip: Double the fajita seasoning and keep the extra in a small airtight container for future meals.

How to make chicken fajita pasta

Follow these easy steps to bring it all together in one large skillet:

1️⃣ MIX THE FAJITA SEASONING

• In a small mixing bowl, combine all the spices. Set aside.

2️⃣ COOK THE CHICKEN

• Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Season the chicken with half the fajita seasoning, then cook until browned and cooked through.
• Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté the peppers and onions

• Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
• Cook the bell peppers and onions for about five minutes until tender.
• Set aside with the chicken.

4️⃣ SIMMER THE PAStA

• In the same skillet, add the dry pasta, garlic, Rotel, chicken broth and remaining seasoning.
• Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce to low.
• Cover and simmer for 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

5️⃣ finish with cream, cheese and veggies

• Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheese, cooked chicken, peppers and onions.
• Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

That’s it! You’ve just made a restaurant-worthy dinner in one pot with no fuss.

Serving suggestions

While this chicken fajita pasta is bold enough to stand on its own, here are a few ways to round it out:

🌿 Top with fresh cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish.
🧂 Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for brightness.
🌶️ Want it spicier? Drizzle with hot sauce or toss in some sliced jalapeños.
🧀 Extra cheese lovers: Add a handful of Mexican blend or pepper jack on top.
🥦 Add some broccoli or zucchini during the pasta cooking stage for bonus veggies.

Storage + reheating tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
• Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Variations + substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Pasta options: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
• Add extra veggies: Try celery, spinach or mushrooms.
• Bring the heat: Stir in a spoonful of sweet chili sauce for a subtle kick.

Final Thoughts: Why this recipe matters

This chicken fajita pasta recipe is one of those dishes that easily earns a spot in the regular rotation. It’s cozy, colorful, and hits all the right notes of smoky, creamy, cheesy and just the right amount of spicy.

If you love Tex-Mex flavor and want an easy one-pot dinner with protein, pasta and bold spices, this is your recipe. Plus, it comes together with ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores, and it makes enough to feed a crowd (or leave you with next-day leftovers you’ll actually look forward to eating).

📌 Pin It + Print It
And don’t forget to share a photo if you make it! Tag me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest so I can see your version of this Tex-Mex comfort food favorite.

More Grandma-approved recipes to try

If you enjoyed this recipe for easy chicken fajita pasta, take a look at some of these other yummy recipes:

• Easy Chicken Fajitas
• Beef Enchilada Recipe with Cheese Sauce
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Loaded Cowboy Queso
• Dorito Chicken Casserole

Let me know in the comments down below what you think of the recipe!