Flavorful One-Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is a vibrant, satisfying dish that combines the bold spices of fajitas with the comfort of creamy pasta. Featuring tender ground chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this one-pot meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is quick to prepare, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish. The one-pot method means fewer dishes to wash, while the blend of fajita-inspired spices creates a zesty, warming flavor profile. It is versatile and easily adjustable for varying spice levels or dietary preferences, and the addition of cheese and optional sour cream makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, sliced
2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
3 cups chicken broth
12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
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Add sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Sprinkle in chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
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Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted. Add sour cream if desired for extra creaminess.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
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Substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
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Add black beans or corn for a heartier meal.
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Swap penne pasta with rotini, fusilli, or macaroni.
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Top with sliced avocado or a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. Microwave reheating is also effective; stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
This recipe is designed for cooking the pasta in the broth for flavor absorption, so pre-cooked pasta is not recommended.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth works well as a substitute.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are good additions.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the pasta may become mushy upon thawing.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?
Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure there is enough liquid in the pot.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal as they hold the sauce well.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, reheat on the stove with a bit of broth to refresh the sauce.
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more broth.
Conclusion
Flavorful One-Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that combines bold seasoning with creamy, cheesy comfort. With its flexible ingredients and simple method, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy evenings when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
[tasty-recipe id=”19550″]