Fajita Pasta Recipe
Looking to add some Southwestern flair to your weekday pasta routine? Fajita pasta is the answer. By blending classic fajita flavors like peppers, onions, and seasonings into a creamy pasta dish, you get all the satisfaction of a taco or burrito in easier-to-eat form. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken, sausage, or veggies, this one-dish meal covers you.
The crucial elements are the peppers and onions. Saute them until just tender but still with a bit of bite, then stir into the pasta with your choice of protein. Chicken works particularly well, as its mild flavor takes on the robust seasonal qualities. For an even heartier meal, chorizo or ground beef sausage provides heft. You can also keep it meatless by swapping in sautéed tempeh or extra veggies.
Once the foundation ingredients are softened, it’s time to incorporate the creaminess. Heavy cream or sour cream whisked with shredded cheese mellows the sharp edges of the peppers. Monterey Jack lends itself exceptionally well due to its mild tang. The result is a dish that satisfies like a pasta primavera but with the bold twist of Southwest panache.
For those craving the authentic fajita experience at home, consider serving the pasta family-style with accompaniments. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and hot sauce allow people to customize their portions. Warm tortillas on the side mean anyone can scoop up the filling concoction.
Whether as a weeknight solution or a leisurely weekend meal, fajita pasta brings the vibrancy of Tex-Mex to the dinner table with much less fuss. Give this recipe a try to appreciate simple ingredients coming together in harmonious crossover form.
Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra kick
Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe
Instructions:
Preparation:
Start by slicing the chicken breast thinly, ensuring even cooking. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips, and mince the garlic cloves finely. Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for a smoother process.
Cooking the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sautéing the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Preparing the Fajita Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the cooked penne pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
Adding Cheese:
Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
Final Touches:
Taste the fajita pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you like it spicy, add sliced jalapeños at this stage for an extra kick.
Serving:
Serve the creamy fajita pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy:
Dive into each forkful of this tantalizing fusion dish, where the bold flavors of traditional fajitas meet the creamy comfort of pasta, creating a culinary experience that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special gathering with friends and family, this chicken fajita pasta recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and it might just become a regular favorite on your menu rotation.
FAQs On Fajita Pasta Recipe
What ingredients do I need to make fajita pasta?
You’ll need fajita seasoning, chicken breast strips, bell peppers (preferably red, green, and yellow for vibrant color), sliced onions, penne pasta, heavy cream, grated cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack), olive oil, garlic, and optionally, diced tomatoes and cilantro for garnish.
Can I make fajita pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even cauliflower. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all your veggies are perfectly tender.
How spicy is fajita pasta typically?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Fajita pasta usually has a moderate level of spice, thanks to the fajita seasoning and potentially added peppers, but you can always control the heat by adjusting the amount of seasoning or opting for mild peppers.
Can I make fajita pasta ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare components of the dish ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. You can precook the chicken and pasta, chop the vegetables, and even prepare the sauce in advance.
Just store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble when ready to serve for the best taste and texture.
What is fajita sauce made of?
Fajita sauce typically contains a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and sometimes a hint of cayenne pepper for heat.
This spice mix is combined with a base of tomato sauce, broth, or a creamy element like heavy cream to create a flavorful sauce that complements the sizzling flavors of the fajita pasta dish.
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