Chicken Fajita Pasta: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
This recipe blends the vibrant flavors of chicken fajitas with the comforting familiarity of pasta, creating a dish that's both exciting and easy to make. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Get ready to experience a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- For the Chicken Fajitas:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt)
- For the Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional, for creamier sauce)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) for topping (optional)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Chicken Fajitas:
- Marinate (optional): For extra flavor, marinate the chicken strips in the fajita seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking the Pasta and Combining the Flavors:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Create the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If you desire a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream or sour cream.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a little pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped cilantro and your favorite shredded cheese.
- Sides: Serve with a side of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Tips for the Best Chicken Fajita Pasta:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key for the best texture.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
- Make it a meal prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the exciting flavors of fajitas in a new and exciting way. It's a delicious, easy, and versatile dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
