Fajita Pasta is a fun twist on traditional fajitas, mixing cooked pasta with colorful veggies and tasty seasonings. Expect to see bell peppers, onions, and juicy chicken or steak!
It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for busy nights. I love how all the flavors blend together in one pot—heavenly! Plus, it always gets my kids to eat their veggies without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe calls for penne, which is great as it holds sauce well. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter twist.
Bell Peppers: The red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and color. If you can’t find them, green bell peppers work fine but are more bitter. You could also use other varieties like poblano or Anaheim for a slightly different taste.
Chicken Breast: If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken. You can replace it with black beans or chickpeas for extra protein. Tofu is another great option if sautéed beforehand.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut milk. If you want to make it dairy-free, opt for cashew cream or almond milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar adds a nice cheesiness, you can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese instead. Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor for a vegan substitute.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Spices?
Spices like smoked paprika and cumin are key to making this dish flavorful. To release their oils and intensify their flavor, add them to the pan after sautéing the vegetables. This step is essential for maximizing the spice profile.
- Cook spices with vegetables for 1-2 minutes. This helps their flavors bloom.
- Do not skip adjusting salt and pepper to taste at the end, as seasoning enhances all flavors!
Try to use fresh spices if possible. They pack more flavor than older ones that have been sitting in your pantry for a while.
How to Make Fajita Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 250g penne pasta (or penne rigate)
For the Fajita Mix:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g chicken breast, thinly sliced (optional for vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce and Toppings:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Juice of 1 lime (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes boiling the pasta and sautéing the vegetables and chicken, followed by another 10 minutes to mix everything together and let the flavors blend smoothly. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure it doesn’t stick together!
2. Prepare the Fajita Mix:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using chicken, add the sliced chicken breast to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until it’s nice and browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it to the side.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, you can add a little more oil if needed. Then, sauté the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Stir occasionally so they cook evenly!
4. Add Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix it all together so that the spices coat the veggies nicely!
5. Bring It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything well. Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to blend beautifully!
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the fajita sauce. If you like, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly for a richer flavor.
7. Final Touches:
Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, and if you wish, squeeze in some lime juice for a zesty kick. Lastly, garnish your delicious fajita pasta with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy, spicy fajita pasta warm and enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish! Perfect for any mealtime!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for penne, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less creamy but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Fajita Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! Just omit the chicken and consider adding black beans, chickpeas, or sautéed mushrooms instead for added protein and texture. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still enjoy a flavorful dish!
