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Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Try my One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta! This dish combines vibrant flavors with simple steps, making it perfect for busy nights. You’ll enjoy juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy pasta—all cooked in one pot! In this guide, I’ll share the ingredients, instructions, and tips to ensure your meal is a success. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe that will impress your family and friends!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one-pot meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: With spices like chili powder and cumin, every bite is bursting with delicious fajita flavors.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with chicken, veggies, and beans, this dish is not only tasty but nutritious too.
- Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheese on top adds a creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, you will need:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound chicken breast, diced
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Sour cream (for serving)
Recommended Variations for Ingredients
You can switch up the ingredients for fun twists. Try these options:
– Use turkey instead of chicken for a leaner choice.
– Swap in zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies.
– Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
– Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for heat.
– Add avocado for creaminess and flavor.
Tips for Choosing Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Here are some tips:
– Look for bright, crisp bell peppers. They should feel firm.
– Choose chicken that is pink and has no odor.
– Pick onions that are smooth and feel heavy for their size.
– Use fresh garlic with no soft spots or sprouting.
– For corn, fresh is best, but frozen works well too.
By following these tips, you will create a dish bursting with flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Detailed Cooking Instructions
1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Dice 1 pound of chicken breast. Add it to the pot and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned.
3. Slice 1 bell pepper and 1 onion. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add these to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften.
4. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. Stir in 8 ounces of penne pasta. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. After cooking, add 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of black beans. Mix well and heat for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Cover for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
Essential Cooking Tips
– Use a large pot to allow space for the pasta to cook evenly.
– Stir the pasta every few minutes to avoid sticking.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. This ensures the dish is full of flavor.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh veggies add crunch and color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overcooking the chicken can make it tough. Cook just until browned.
– Not stirring often can lead to clumping of the pasta. Stir regularly.
– Adding too much broth can make the dish soupy. Measure carefully!
– Forgetting to let the cheese melt can leave it clumpy. Cover it for the best result.
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
To make the best One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, start with fresh ingredients. Use juicy chicken breast and vibrant bell peppers. This gives your dish great flavor and color. Season your chicken well with salt, pepper, and spices. This adds depth to the taste. Stir often to prevent sticking. Make sure to cook the pasta just right; it should be al dente. Overcooking can make it mushy.
Storing Leftovers Effectively
Store your leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool down first. This prevents moisture buildup. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Divide the pasta into smaller portions for easy use later. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime.
Reheating Tips for Optimal Flavor
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the pasta moist. Warm it on low heat to avoid burning. Stir gently to heat it evenly. You can also microwave it, but cover it with a lid. This helps trap steam and keeps the pasta nice. Top with fresh cheese or herbs before serving to boost flavor.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To ensure your penne pasta is al dente, check for doneness a minute or two before the package instructions suggest. This will prevent overcooking.
- Custom Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin based on your spice preference. You can also add jalapeños for an extra kick!
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Add Freshness: For a burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. It enhances the dish and brightens the overall taste.

Variations
Vegetarian Version of One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Simply swap out the chicken for your favorite veggies. I love using zucchini, mushrooms, and extra bell peppers. These add great flavor and texture. You can also add more beans for protein. Try black beans or pinto beans. They make the dish hearty and filling.
Adding Different Proteins (Shrimp, Sausage)
If you want to mix it up, add shrimp or sausage. For shrimp, cook them until they turn pink. This takes just a few minutes. If you prefer sausage, slice it and cook it with the veggies. The spices will blend well with the meat. Both options bring a nice twist to the classic recipe.
Gluten-Free Pasta Options
For a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands make great options that taste just as good. Look for pasta made from brown rice or quinoa. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worrying about gluten. The flavors stay rich and delicious, no matter the pasta choice.
Storage Info
Recommended Storage Containers
To store your One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works well. Make sure to let the dish cool down before sealing. This keeps flavors fresh and prevents spills.
Freezing Tips for One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
You can freeze this pasta dish for later meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. Label each bag with the date for easy tracking.
Best Timeframe for Consumption
For the best taste, eat the pasta within three to four days when stored in the fridge. If frozen, aim to eat it within three months. The flavor and texture will be best if you follow these timeframes. Enjoy your meal whenever you want!
FAQs
How long does it take to make One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta?
It takes about 30 minutes to make One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta. This includes 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. You can enjoy a tasty meal in no time!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
What can I serve with One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta?
One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. You can also serve it with warm tortillas or rice. For a creamy touch, add sour cream or guacamole on the side. Enjoy your meal!
In this guide, we covered the tasty One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta. We looked at ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to avoid mistakes. You learned how to store and reheat leftovers well. Variations, like vegetarian options or different proteins, offer fun twists. Overall, this dish is simple and flavorful. Enjoy making it your own, and share with friends. Good food brings joy, and this recipe makes it eas
One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring chicken, bell peppers, and pasta, all cooked in a flavorful broth.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 bell pepper sliced (red or green)
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving sour cream
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the corn and black beans. Mix well and allow everything to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the pot for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream on top.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Keyword chicken, fajitas, one pot, pasta
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