One Skillet Chicken Fajita Pasta
One Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta is the kind of dinner that brings bold Tex-Mex flavor and comfort food together in one pan. Inspired by the flavors of my Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas, this dish combines tender bites of seasoned meat with colorful bell peppers, onions, and elbow macaroni in a rich, creamy sauce.
The best part about this chicken fajita pasta is how much flavor you get without a mountain of dirty dishes. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for those nights when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have the energy for a big cleanup.
This one pan chicken fajita pasta is such a win for busy weeknights because it’s simple, fast, and seriously delicious. You get all those smoky, charred fajita flavors mixed into a creamy sauce that the whole family will actually agree on. In my family, this is big – if it doesn’t have a bold flavor profile, I’ll just get a thumbs up, but this dish received two thumbs up and a “please make this again this week” review.
We also love this easy to make Oven Baked Fajita Chicken, and my 30 Minute Beef Taco Skillet is also a winner for simple meals that are filled with flavor. Serve up this Hot Baked Taco Dip Recipe as an appetizer, and your meal is complete.
One Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
This fajita pasta recipe is my favorite way to get a delicious dinner on the table without much fuss. It combines everything we love about zesty chicken fajitas with the comfort of a big bowl of creamy noodles. I love that the macaroni cooks right in the pan with the chicken stock and spicy tomatoes, soaking up so much more flavor than if it were boiled separately.
It’s a quick, colorful meal made with simple ingredients like elbow macaroni, bell peppers, and my Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix. Perfect for turning an ordinary weeknight dinner into something a little more exciting.
You must try this easy chicken fajita pasta skillet! It has all the flavors of classic recipe but with pasta! Add your favorite toppings. Oh, and the one pan to wash, you’re welcome!
Timesaving Tips and Variations
Getting dinner on the table is even faster when you utilize a few smart kitchen shortcuts and flexible ingredient swaps to suit your pantry.
- Pre-cut Vegetables: Use a frozen blend of onions and bell peppers to skip the chopping entirely. You can also find pre-cut veggies in the produce section that are perfect for this recipe.
- Seasoning Options: You can easily swap the taco seasoning for a Homemade Fajita Seasoning, or just use a standard store-bought taco seasoning packet if you’re in a pinch.
- Protein Swaps: Substitute the meat breasts with shrimp or steak strips, adjusting the searing time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Pasta Alternatives: If you don’t have elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini, they work beautifully as they hold onto the creamy sauce well.
- Cheese for Creaminess: Add a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese at the end for extra richness.
- Bulk it Up: Stir in black beans or corn to make the dish even more filling and add some extra texture.
- Lighter Sauce: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce that still feels silky.
These small adjustments let you tailor the recipe to your preferences while keeping it a quick, one-pan meal.
💡Pro Tip: When bell peppers are in season and on sale, buy them in bulk. I do this and then spend a bit of time dicing and slicing them. Flash-freeze them baking sheet on a parchment line and place them in freezer bags and you will have colorful peppers throughout the winter months for cooked dishes such as these fajitas.
What to Serve with Chicken Fajita Pasta
This creamy skillet pasta pairs well with fresh, flavorful sides that balance the bold Tex-Mex spices. A simple side dish can round out the meal without adding much extra work.
- Mexican Street Corn
- Margarita Fruit Salad
- The Best Guacamole Recipe
- Corn Salad Recipe
- Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
These easy sides complement the flavors without overpowering the dish. Choose one or two to make the meal feel complete.
Frequently Asked Question
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well in this recipe. They stay juicy and flavorful while cooking in the skillet. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook the same way as directed in the recipe.
You can easily make a quick substitute by mixing melted butter, milk, and a little flour. While it won’t work for whipped cream or baking, it’s a perfect way to add thickness and creaminess to sauces like this dish. Check recipe card for exact amounts
Absolutely. You can add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or sliced jalapeños to the skillet while cooking. Using a hot version of Ro-Tel will also increase the heat.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of stock or water to loosen the sauce, as the elbows will continue to absorb liquid while sitting.
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Essential Tools for One Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
A few simple kitchen tools help make this meal quick and easy to prepare. Most of them are everyday items that you may already have on hand. Using the right pan is especially helpful for even cooking.
Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan/ Fry Saute All Purpose Pan with Lid – 12 Inch, Gray
GORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Reversible Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, US Designed, Nonporous, Juice Grooves Catch Liquid, Slip Resistant Border, Dishwasher Safe, Durable Large Food Chopping Boards, BlackAmazon Basics Classic 8-inch Full Tang High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef’s Knife, Multipurpose Kitchen Knife with Three Rivets, SilverKitchenAid Universal Easy To Read Measuring Cup and Spoon Set with Soft Grip Handle for Maximum Control, Hang Hole and Nesting For Easy Storage, Dishwasher Safe, 9 Piece, PistachioOXO Good Grips 3-Piece Wooden Spoon SetGORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Soft Silicone Oven Mitts and Pot Holders Sets of 4, Heat Resistant Waterproof Cooking Gloves, Thick Cotton Lining, Flexible Gripping for Baking Grilling, Kitchen Trivets, GraySumnacon 9.6 x 6.3 Inch Cast Iron Trivet, 2 Pack Metal Trivets with Rubber Feets,Iron Trivet for Hot Dish Pot Pan Plate Teapot,Heat Resistant Trivets Cast Iron for Kitchen Cooktop Dining Table, GreenGibson Elite William Crest 4 Piece Dinner Bowl Set, 8.5” Round Stoneware Bowls, Reactive Glaze Finish, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe – Ash White
Having everything ready before you start cooking helps the recipe move smoothly. Since everything cooks in one pan, cleanup stays minimal.
Ingredients for Chicken Fajita Pasta
This creamy skillet chicken pasta uses simple ingredients that come together to create bold fajita-style flavor. Most items are pantry staples plus a few fresh vegetables.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing and sautéing to build a flavor base.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these provide a lean, tender protein that cooks quickly.
- Taco Seasoning: The primary flavor agent, providing cumin, chili powder, and garlic notes.
- Bell Peppers and Onion: Adds sweetness, crunch, and essential aromatics.
- Garlic: Grated or minced to provide a pungent, savory depth to the sauce.
- Chicken Stock: The cooking liquid for the elbow noodles, offering much more flavor than plain water.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the signature silky, creamy texture of the sauce.
- Ro-Tel Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chiles that add acidity and a hint of zest.
- Elbow Macaroni: A sturdy pasta shape that cooks perfectly in the skillet.
These ingredients work together to create a balanced profile of heat, creaminess, and savory satisfaction.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Pasta
Cut meat into bite-sized pieces and season with 1 ½ tablespoons taco seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat and brown the pieces 1–2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
Add vegetables to pan and sprinkle the remaining taco seasoning over the onions and peppers, and sauté until slightly charred. Add garlic for 30 seconds, then remove the veggies to a plate. In the same skillet, combine stock, heavy cream, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer 15 minutes until macaroni is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Return chicken and vegetables to the skillet, stir until heated through, and serve immediately.
If you loved this zesty one-pan meal and want more bold chicken dishes, you have to try my Easy 30 Minute Bang Bang Chicken Pasta for another quick and creamy weeknight favorite!
One Pan Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 – 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning or 1 pkg taco seasoning
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups diced bell peppers, (combination of red, green, yellow, orange)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups unsalted chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream (see note)
- 1 10-oz can Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles
- 2 ½ – 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with 1 ½ tablespoons of the taco seasoning.
- Heat heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken (in a single layer) and brown each side, cook 1-2 minutes on each side. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may have to do this in two batches and you may need to use an additional tablespoon of oil. Remove the meat to a plate and set aside.
- With the heat still on high, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and add the onions, bell peppers. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ tablespoon of taco seasoning over the vegetables. Cook the vegetables, stirring a couple of times until they are slightly blackened.
- Turn heat to medium-high , add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the vegetables to plate.
- In the same skillet, add the stock, cream*, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and uncooked macaroni. Stir to combine and turn the heat up to bring to a boil, then cover, reducing the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes until macaroni is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add the chicken and vegetables back into the skillet and stir to combine until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve!
Notes
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
2026 Alphabet Challenge – “F”
F is for flavor-packed, fuss-free dinners that bring everyone to the table. Bright vegetables, hearty protein, and a creamy sauce make it a go-to recipe anytime. Check out last year’s 2025 recipes and the 2024 collection for more alphabet-inspired ideas.
- A Messy Kitchen: Fortune Cookie Crust
- Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Brazilian Feijoada – Black Bean Stew with Beef and Pork
- Sneha’s Recipe: Fingerlicking Garlic Coconut Chutney
- Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Frittata Florentine
- Sizzling Tastebuds: Eggless Flourless Chocochip Brownies
- Mayuri’s Jikoni: Fansi Dapka Nu Shaak
- Food Lust People Love: Lamb Feta Mint Patties
- Magical Ingredients: Feta Potato Swirls
Enjoy!
It looks very colorful and yummy! Congrats on graduating soon! I just realized that April was the 20 year anniversary of my college graduation!
I LOVE this recipe!! It is printed, and I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.
Making a trip to the store so I can make this soon!
Two thumbs up AND a please make again is pretty much the Oscar award for recipe development! Your dish looks delicious!
Who doesn’t love a one skillet meal? Especially one with this much flavor in it! Delicious!!!