Easy One Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe Your Family Will Love

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful dinner that comes together in one pan, this chicken fajita pasta recipe is a perfect choice. It combines the bold, smoky spices of classic fajitas with creamy pasta, making it a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup, which means more time to relax and enjoy your evening.

One pan chicken fajita pasta with vibrant bell peppers and melted cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 chicken breasts, diced

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for coating chicken)

• Sazon seasoning

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 3 tricolor bell peppers, thinly sliced (red, yellow, green)

• Half of a red onion, thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 packet fajita seasoning

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 box (about 12 oz) penne pasta

• 8 oz Mexican blend cheese

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken

   Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with a neutral oil to coat evenly. Sprinkle the chicken liberally with Sazon, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and chili powder. Mix well to ensure every piece is seasoned.

   
   

2. Cook the chicken

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until fully cooked through and slightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

   
   

3. Sauté the vegetables

   In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables soften but still have a slight crunch, about 5 minutes.

   
   

4. Make the sauce base

   Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning packet over the vegetables and stir to combine. Then, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously until the flour is fully incorporated and no longer visible.

   
   

5. Add liquids

   Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the heavy cream and stir to combine.

   
   

6. Season the sauce

   Taste the sauce and add more of the original chicken seasonings (Sazon, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, chili powder) to suit your preference. Stir well.

   
   

7. Combine pasta and cheese

   Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the penne pasta and Mexican blend cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is evenly coated with the creamy fajita sauce.

   
   

8. Garnish and serve

   Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top before serving for a fresh, bright finish.

   
   

Tips for the Best Chicken Fajita Pasta

• Use fresh bell peppers for the best flavor and texture. The tricolor mix adds a beautiful visual appeal.

• Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a milder dish, reduce these spices.

• Cook pasta al dente before adding it to the sauce to avoid mushy pasta.

• Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

  
  

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

This chicken fajita pasta recipe is a great weeknight meal because it requires only one pan, cutting down on cleanup time. The combination of protein, vegetables, and pasta makes it a balanced meal that’s both filling and flavorful. The creamy sauce and melted cheese add comfort, while the fajita spices bring a punch of bold flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.