Chicken Fajita Pasta
Chicken Fajita Pasta is a delicious fusion dish that combines the bold, smoky flavors of fajitas with the creamy, cheesy goodness of pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. With tender pasta, sautéed onions and peppers, and a rich cheese sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.
Servings: 4
Calories: 534kcal
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or a spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese from a block)
Ingredients
- 10 oz. penne pasta
- 1 cup of pasta water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large red onion sliced
- 2 bell peppers mixed colors, sliced
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning divided
- 1 ½ cups leftover chicken shredded
- 2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded
- Fresh cilantro to garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning and stir well.
- Add the shredded leftover chicken to the skillet.
- Sprinkle in another tablespoon of fajita seasoning and stir to coat the chicken with the spices.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add more if needed.
- Sprinkle in the last tablespoon of fajita seasoning and mix well.
- Stir in the shredded Monterey jack cheese, allowing it to melt and coat the pasta.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 99g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 42g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 347mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2298IU | Vitamin C: 78mg | Calcium: 447mg | Iron: 2mg
