Best Chicken Fajita Pasta is a mouthwatering fusion dish that combines the flavors of spicy fajitas with the comfort of pasta. With its tender chicken, crunchy bell peppers, and savory pasta, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. It's an easy and quick dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. Whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer mild flavors, this recipe provides a wide range of options to suit every taste bud.
Here is the required ingredients and cooking steps to make Best Chicken Fajita Pasta:
Ingredients:
* 1 pound penne pasta
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1/2 cup fajita seasoning
* 1/2 cup red onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup bell peppers (any color), sliced
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1 cup cooked fajita sauce (see below for recipe)
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Fajita Sauce:
* 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add fajita seasoning, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Add bell peppers and cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add cooked fajita sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the fajita sauce until fully coated.
7. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss with the pasta and sauce until combined.
8. Transfer the pasta mixture to a serving dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve hot and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Tips and Variations:
* Use different colors of bell peppers for added visual appeal.
* Substitute chicken breast with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a tender alternative.
* Add diced jalapeƱos for an extra kick of heat.
* Use homemade fajita sauce instead of store-bought for added flavor.
* Add cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier protein option.
* Substitue fajita seasoning with a blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika for a unique flavor profile.
* Use leftover fajita sauce as a topping for tacos or as a dip for vegetables.
Note: Cooked fajita sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen sauce before using.