Chicken Fajita Pasta in One Pot

If you love the bold, smoky flavors of fajitas but want something quick, comforting, and fuss-free, you’re in for a treat with this Chicken Fajita Pasta in One Pot. Imagine tender chicken breast, vibrant bell peppers, and onions all mingling with perfectly cooked fettuccine in a savory, spiced tomato broth. This dish is a wonderful way to bring together the best of Tex-Mex and Italian cooking in a single, easy-to-clean pot. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe delivers maximum flavor without the hassle.

The Upside of Chicken Fajita Pasta in One Pot

One-pot meals are kitchen superheroes, and this Chicken Fajita Pasta in One Pot stands out for several reasons. First, it saves you from juggling multiple pans and dishes, minimizing cleanup. Second, the pasta cooks right in the flavorful broth alongside the chicken and veggies, so every bite is infused with those smoky fajita spices. Third, it’s incredibly customizable — swap out vegetables, adjust the spice levels, or add your favorite toppings like creamy avocado or fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you prefer)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 avocado, diced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment at a Glance

• Large deep skillet or wide sauté pan with a lid – perfect for one-pot cooking
• Sharp knife for slicing chicken and veggies
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Build Chicken Fajita Pasta in One Pot Step by Step

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the pan, seasoning it with half of the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink and starts to turn golden, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

In the same pan, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Stir occasionally, cooking until they soften and develop a bit of char, roughly 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and the remaining spices, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Nestle the fettuccine pasta into the liquid, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Don’t worry if it looks crowded; the pasta will soften and absorb the flavors as it cooks.

Step 4: Simmer and Stir

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover with a lid and let it simmer, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Finish with Corn, Chicken, and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the corn and the cooked chicken slices. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover again for a couple of minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into the creamy mixture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Top the pasta with diced avocado and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the satisfying blend of fajita flavors and creamy pasta comfort.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free fettuccine or pasta made from rice or lentils.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute shredded cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it entirely.
• Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.
• Nightshade-Free: Replace diced tomatoes with a pureed carrot or pumpkin sauce for a similar texture without nightshades.

Avoid These Traps

• Don’t overcook the chicken initially; it will continue cooking in the simmering broth. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
• Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Use enough liquid to fully cook the pasta — too little and it will be underdone or burn.
• If using frozen corn, no need to thaw; just add it directly to the pot.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

Store any leftovers of this Chicken Fajita Pasta in One Pot in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This meal also freezes well — freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine works beautifully here, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as different pasta shapes cook at varying speeds.

What if I want it spicier?

To turn up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when cooking the chicken and veggies. You can also serve with hot sauce or sliced fresh chili on the side.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! This dish freezes well. Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or black beans for protein. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

What to Make After This

• For another flavor-packed pasta dish, try the One Pot Creamy Cajun Beef Pasta.
• If you love creamy chicken pasta with a kick, the One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a perfect next meal.
• For a taco-inspired twist, check out the Cheesy Chicken Taco Pasta, which shares similar comforting vibes.

Make It Tonight

This Chicken Fajita Pasta in One Pot is a winner for busy evenings when you want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite skillet, and in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The blend of fajita spices with creamy pasta makes for an irresistible meal that’s easy to customize and share.

This recipe combines simplicity with bold flavors and minimal cleanup, proving that you can enjoy a fabulous dinner without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder has you covered. So go ahead, treat yourself to this vibrant and satisfying Chicken Fajita Pasta in One Pot tonight!

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