Satisfy your cravings with this delicious One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy cheddar cheese all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a flavorful meal that your family will love. Click through and explore this tasty recipe today!
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper of your choice (red, green, or yellow), sliced into strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
8 ounces (approximately 2 cups) uncooked penne pasta
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup frozen sweet corn kernels
1/2 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
![Here’s what you need for this tasty dish: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced - 1 bell pepper of your choice (red, green, or yellow), sliced into strips - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 8 ounces (approximately 2 cups) uncooked penne pasta - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup frozen sweet corn kernels - 1/2 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Using fresh ingredients gives the best flavor. Fresh chicken, peppers, and onions add a crisp taste. However, frozen ingredients can save time. Frozen corn is just as good as fresh. Use what you can find or what you prefer. Spices make this dish pop. Here are some great options you can try: - Add a pinch of cayenne for heat. - Use oregano for a more herbal note. - Try lime juice for a zesty kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. These options let you play with flavors and find your perfect blend. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring until the chicken turns golden brown. When done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate. Next, in the same pot, add 1 sliced medium onion and 1 sliced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute. Now, add 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add a can of drained diced tomatoes. Toss in 1 cup of frozen sweet corn and stir everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. After the pasta cooks, return the chicken to the pot. Top it with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and blends in. Finally, take the pot off the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. To get the best out of your One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, consider these tips: - Use fresh vegetables for better taste and crunch. - Don’t rush the browning of the chicken; it adds flavor. - Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot. - Taste as you cook; adjust seasoning as needed. Seeing the cooking stages can help you feel more confident. 1. Chicken Browning: The chicken should be golden and cooked through. 2. Vegetables Sautéing: They should be soft and fragrant. 3. Pasta Cooking: The mixture should bubble and thicken but not burn. 4. Final Dish: The cheese should melt and coat the pasta nicely. You can find the full recipe for One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta in the earlier section for more details. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta One of the biggest mistakes is overcooking the pasta. Cook it just until it’s al dente. This keeps it from getting mushy. Another mistake is adding too much salt early on. Wait until the dish is almost done to taste and adjust. Also, don’t skip the step of browning the chicken first. This adds flavor that makes a big difference. Lastly, avoid using low-quality chicken broth. A good broth boosts the overall taste. Recommended Tools for Cooking To make this dish, you need a few key tools. A large, deep pot or Dutch oven is essential. This allows enough room for all the ingredients. A wooden spoon or spatula works well for stirring. Use a sharp knife and cutting board for prepping your veggies and chicken. A measuring cup for the broth and pasta is also helpful. These tools make the cooking process smooth and easy. Enhancements for Extra Flavor To amp up the flavor, try adding lime juice right before serving. This gives a fresh kick. You can also toss in black beans for added texture and protein. If you like heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish too. For a smoky flavor, incorporate a touch of chipotle powder. These simple tweaks make the meal even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} If you want a veggie twist, swap chicken for beans or tofu. Black beans or garbanzo beans work great. They add protein and texture. Use the same spices to keep the flavor strong. You can also add mushrooms for a meaty feel. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers. This veggie version is just as tasty and filling. Besides chicken, you can try shrimp or turkey. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice seafood flavor. For turkey, use ground turkey instead of cubed chicken. Cook it until browned before adding veggies. Keep the spices the same. Each protein brings its own flair to the dish. Feel free to mix in extra veggies. Zucchini, spinach, or even kale can boost nutrition. Sauté them with the onions for a tender bite. You can also play with spices. Add cayenne for heat or oregano for depth. A squeeze of lime juice at the end can brighten the flavors. Don’t be shy to get creative! You can always check the Full Recipe for more ideas. To keep your One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make your pasta soggy. If you plan to eat it later, separate the pasta from any sauce. This way, each part stays fresh. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pot. Heat it on low, stirring often until warm. If you choose the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it is hot. One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta can last up to four days in the fridge. Store it properly in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For a full recipe, check the details above. You can use shrimp or tofu as a tasty swap. Both options cook quickly. If you want a plant-based choice, try chickpeas or lentils. These will add protein and flavor. Each substitute gives a fun twist to the dish. Yes, you can! Gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package's time. Keep an eye on the texture, as it may cook faster or slower. This way, you can enjoy One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta without the gluten. To add heat, use more chili powder or add diced jalapeños. You could also include hot sauce while cooking. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle peppers. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. It's all about what makes your taste buds dance! This blog post covered the tasty recipe for One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to avoid mistakes. I shared flavor enhancements and fun variations for different diets. Storing leftovers properly keeps your meal fresh. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Use this recipe as a base and add your twist. Enjoy the process and delight in each bite!](https://tastymomrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/803c837b-b841-4c9e-af8d-85ca1be122ee-250x250.webp)