Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This dish combines the delicious flavors of chicken fajitas with the comforting texture of penne pasta. But its not just about chicken and pasta - its about bold seasonings, a creamy sauce, and the perfect balance of veggies and cheese. The entire recipe comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and the cooking process as easy as it is flavorful. Heres how to make this one-pot chicken fajita pasta:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 pounds chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 red onion, peeled and cut into -inch wedges
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or more as needed)
• 1 cup salsa
• 4 cups milk
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into -inch strips
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into -inch strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into -inch strips
• 4 cups shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend
• cup minced cilantro

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Mexican oregano to create the seasoning blend. Season the chicken strips with half of this seasoning and set the remaining seasoning aside for later.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pot, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the red onion and minced garlic, and cook while stirring for about 2 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Stir in 1 cup of chicken broth and the salsa, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This will help lift the flavors stuck to the pan.

Step 5: Add the milk and dry penne pasta to the pot. Stir everything together, then place the chicken strips and bell peppers on top. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a light simmer. Cook the pasta, stirring gently every 4-5 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. This should take about 20 minutes. Be sure to keep the pasta as submerged as possible during the cooking process. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, season the dish with the remaining seasoning blend to taste.

Step 8: Stir in the shredded Mexican cheese and mix until its completely melted into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.

Step 9: Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Cooks Note: Depending on your spice preference, you can use mild, medium, or hot salsa. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 555
• Total Fat: 25g (32% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (59% DV)
• Cholesterol: 132mg (44% DV)
• Sodium: 1243mg (54% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 34g (12% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% DV)
• Total Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 49g (98% DV)
• Vitamin C: 64mg (71% DV)
• Calcium: 580mg (45% DV)
• Iron: 3mg (19% DV)
• Potassium: 746mg (16% DV)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your individual needs.

Origin and History

The origins of fajitas trace back to the 1930s in the Tex-Mex region, where Mexican ranch workers were given scraps of beef, primarily skirt steak, as part of their pay. They grilled these cuts over an open flame, seasoned them, and served them with tortillas. Over time, fajitas evolved from a humble working-class meal to a popular dish, eventually incorporating chicken, shrimp, and other proteins. The dish's bold flavors, which include the signature seasoning mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic, are now enjoyed in various forms, with the creamy chicken fajita pasta being one of the modern, fusion adaptations of this classic. This pasta twist combines the beloved fajita spices with a creamy sauce to bring together two cuisines: Tex-Mex and Italian.

Regional Features

Fajitas, including creamy chicken fajita pasta, are a staple in both Tex-Mex cuisine and the broader Southwestern United States. The original fajita, made with grilled beef, became popular in Texas and Northern Mexico, where ranching traditions remain strong. Over time, this dish became a popular fixture in Tex-Mex restaurants. The pasta version, however, introduces a new layer of fusion by blending Italian pasta with the savory, spiced flavors of fajitas. While the dish is now commonly served throughout North America, its specific regional popularity can be found most notably in Texas and California, where both Mexican and Italian influences converge.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While the creamy chicken fajita pasta shares some characteristics with traditional pasta dishes, such as creamy sauces and seasoned proteins, it sets itself apart by incorporating fajita spices, such as chili powder, cumin, and Mexican oregano. Traditional pasta recipes, such as Alfredo or carbonara, rely more on butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese for their creamy base. In contrast, this dish uses chicken broth, salsa, and a variety of peppers (red, green, and yellow), creating a flavorful, spicy kick that is far from the rich, buttery sauces of classic Italian pastas. Additionally, unlike Italian pasta dishes that often emphasize delicate sauces, creamy chicken fajita pasta has a heartier, bolder flavor profile due to the fajita seasoning and the presence of sauted peppers and onions.

Where It Is Typically Served

This dish is most commonly found in casual dining settings, especially in Tex-Mex or Mexican-American restaurants. It's a crowd-pleaser thanks to its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a great choice for family dinners or potlucks. Additionally, it can be made as a one-pot meal, making it both convenient and flavorful for home cooks. Outside of restaurants, creamy chicken fajita pasta has gained popularity among home cooks who enjoy experimenting with fusion cuisine. It's often served in family homes across North America, particularly in regions where Tex-Mex dishes are beloved, such as Texas, Arizona, and California.

Interesting Facts

• The word "fajita" comes from the Spanish word "faja," which means "strip" or "belt." It refers to the way the beef or chicken is cut into strips before cooking.
• The first fajita was made using skirt steak, but today, chicken, shrimp, and even vegetarian options are commonly used in fajita recipes.
• Fajitas were considered a "working-class" dish until the 1960s, when they were introduced to upscale restaurants in Texas and quickly became a favorite.
• Creamy chicken fajita pasta is a newer creation that combines the Tex-Mex tradition with the Italian love for pasta, making it a perfect example of modern fusion cuisine.
• While many Tex-Mex dishes are associated with bold, spicy flavors, creamy chicken fajita pasta balances these with a milder, creamy sauce that can be adjusted to personal spice tolerance using mild, medium, or hot salsa.

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