Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta – A 20-Minute Weeknight Favorite
Weeknights can be hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be boring. Enter Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta — a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. With tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious creamy fajita sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This 20-minute chicken pasta recipe takes inspiration from classic fajitas, blending Mexican flavors with a comforting pasta dish. It’s ideal for busy families, meal-preppers, or anyone craving a quick and tasty dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with fajita flavor
- Colorful, visually appealing plate
- Easy clean-up and minimal prep
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining
The combination of juicy chicken, sweet peppers, and creamy sauce creates a harmonious balance of texture and flavor. Every bite delivers a rich, satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Use thighs for extra juiciness or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Pasta: Penne works best, but fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle are also great options.
- Cream: Heavy cream or cream cheese can be used; Greek yogurt works for a lighter version.
- Cheese: Choose your favorite melting cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra spice.
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips, season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until chicken is cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add sliced bell peppers and garlic. Cook until slightly tender but still crisp, about 3–4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium, stir in heavy cream (or cream cheese) and chicken broth. Mix until creamy and combined.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and stir until melted.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 5–6 minutes.
- Add bell peppers and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Reduce heat to medium and stir in cream and chicken broth. Mix until creamy.
- Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing to coat with sauce.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Serve garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
Tips for the Best Chicken Fajita Pasta
- Prep ahead: Slice chicken and peppers before cooking to save time.
- Adjust spice level: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicier.
- One-pan option: After cooking pasta, you can add everything to the same skillet for easier cleanup.
- Cheese melt: Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes after adding cheese to ensure it melts evenly.
Flavor Variations
Southwest Style
Add black beans and corn for a hearty, Tex-Mex twist.
Spicy Kick
Include jalapeños or a splash of chipotle sauce.
Healthy Version
Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta and use low-fat cream.
Extra Veggies
Include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy chicken fajita pasta with:
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- A light dessert, like fruit salad
It also reheats well for lunch or dinner leftovers, keeping creamy texture intact.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
- Freeze portions for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs remain juicier and add extra flavor.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free cream substitute and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
Yes. Cook the chicken and peppers, prepare the sauce, and toss with pasta when ready to serve.
Nutrition Highlights
This dish balances protein, vegetables, and carbs:
- High protein from chicken
- Fiber from bell peppers and whole-grain pasta
- Healthy fats from cream or cream cheese
- Rich flavor without excessive prep or ingredients
Why This Recipe Works for Weeknights
- Fast cooking time: 20 minutes from start to finish
- Minimal cleanup: one skillet, pasta pot
- Family-friendly: everyone loves the creamy, cheesy fajita flavor
- Flexible: add or swap ingredients depending on what’s in your fridge
This creamy chicken pasta brings bold fajita flavors to your plate without the long cook time.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta is a weeknight lifesaver — fast, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s colorful, creamy, and packed with flavor that tastes restaurant-quality but comes together in 20 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, casual dinners, or meal prep, it proves you can have a delicious, comforting pasta dish without the fuss.
Serve it hot, garnish with cilantro and lime, and enjoy a quick, cheesy, flavor-packed weeknight favorite.
