One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe: Easy 30-Minute Meal

A delicious fusion of Mexican flavors and Italian comfort food ready in under 30 minutes

By Anjali Sayee

One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

When Mexican-inspired flavors meet Italian comfort food, culinary magic happens. Our One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta brings together the vibrant, zesty essence of classic chicken fajitas with the satisfying heartiness of pasta, all prepared in a single pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This recipe has become a family favorite for busy weeknights, offering a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in every delicious bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe offers a foolproof way to put a delicious, nutritious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and al dente pasta coated in a creamy, spice-infused sauce will satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta isn’t just delicious—it’s designed with busy households in mind. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, meaning less time washing dishes
  • Balanced Nutrition: Protein from chicken, vegetables from peppers and onions, and carbohydrates from pasta
  • Versatile: Easily customizable based on what ingredients you have on hand
  • Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children
  • Budget-Conscious: Uses accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank

Ingredients

This recipe serves 3-5 people and uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry and refrigerator. The combination of traditional fajita seasonings with pasta creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.

For the Protein and Vegetables:

  • 3 tablespoons oil (olive oil recommended)
  • 3 chicken breasts, sliced into ½-inch strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

For the Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 4 cups penne pasta (approximately 16 ounces)
  • 5 cups milk
  • 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado slices

Kitchen Equipment Needed

One of the best features of this recipe is that it requires minimal equipment, making it perfect for kitchens of all sizes:

  • Large pot or deep skillet (at least 5-6 quart capacity)
  • Sharp knife for slicing chicken and vegetables
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for stirring
  • Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious one-pot meal that will impress your family and friends:

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breasts to the pot. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until no pink is visible, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside temporarily. This step ensures the chicken stays tender while you cook the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Cook the vegetables over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes. The peppers should still maintain some crispness for the best texture in the final dish.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Seasonings

Return the cooked chicken to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasonings, about 30 seconds. This step allows the spices to bloom and release their full flavors.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Pasta

Pour 5 cups of milk into the pot, followed by 4 cups of penne pasta. Stir constantly to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The milk serves as the cooking liquid for the pasta while simultaneously creating a creamy sauce base.

Step 5: Cook Until Pasta is Tender

Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the milk has reduced to a thick sauce that coats the pasta. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta used, so begin checking for doneness around the 8-minute mark.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, add 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful finish. Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but there are several ways to serve and enhance it for different occasions:

  • Casual Family Dinner: Serve directly from the pot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
  • Entertaining Guests: Transfer to a large serving bowl, garnish with lime wedges, sliced avocado, and additional shredded cheese on top.
  • Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually develop nicely after a day in the refrigerator.
  • Side Pairings: While not necessary, a simple green salad or garlic bread makes a nice accompaniment if you’re looking to round out the meal.

Customization Options

One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ways to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Protein Variations:

  • Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans or plant-based chicken alternatives
  • Seafood: Use shrimp instead of chicken (reduce cooking time accordingly)
  • Beef: Thinly sliced steak works wonderfully in this recipe

Dietary Adaptations:

  • Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety
  • Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives
  • Lower Calorie: Use reduced-fat milk and cheese, or reduce the cheese quantity

Heat Level Adjustments:

  • Milder Version: Reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild pepper jack cheese
  • Spicier Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Extra Spicy: Include a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes

Storage and Reheating

This One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers:

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy sauce. Microwave reheating works as well, though stir halfway through and add a small amount of liquid if needed.
  • Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the pasta texture and sauce consistency may change upon thawing and reheating.

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond being delicious, this dish offers several nutritional benefits:

  • Protein: Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and growth
  • Vitamins: Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and skin health
  • Calcium: The milk and cheese provide calcium for bone health
  • Complex Carbohydrates: Pasta offers energy-sustaining complex carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?

Yes, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips. Simply add them to the pot after the vegetables have softened, and continue with the recipe as directed.

What can I substitute for milk if I don’t have enough?

You can use a combination of chicken broth and a smaller amount of milk or cream. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can work, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Any medium-sized pasta shape works well, such as rotini, farfalle (bow ties), or fusilli. Just be aware that different shapes may require slight adjustments to cooking time.

My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?

Continue cooking for a few more minutes, as the sauce will naturally thicken as the pasta absorbs liquid. You can also add a bit more cheese, which will help thicken the sauce as it melts.

Is this recipe spicy?

As written, this recipe has a moderate level of spice. The heat comes primarily from the chili powder and pepper jack cheese. For a milder version, reduce these ingredients or substitute with regular Monterey Jack cheese.

Chef’s Tips for Success

These professional insights will help ensure your One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta turns out perfectly every time:

  • Prep All Ingredients: Having everything sliced and measured before you start cooking makes the process much smoother.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since the chicken will continue cooking when added back to the pot, it’s okay if it’s just barely cooked through in the first step.
  • Stir Frequently: This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, cook uncovered for a few additional minutes.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the sauce reach the perfect consistency.

This One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta represents the best of fusion cooking—bringing together beloved flavors in an accessible, practical format that works for busy modern life. With its balanced nutrition, fantastic flavor, and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a regular feature in your meal planning rotation. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of this Mexican-Italian creation that proves comfort food can be both exciting and convenient!

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Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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