This Cheesy Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is a mouthwatering fusion dish that combines the vibrant flavors of Mexican fajitas with the comforting appeal of a creamy pasta bake. Taking inspiration from traditional fajitas but transforming them into a hearty one-pan meal, this recipe delivers all the colorful peppers, savory spices, and cheesy goodness that the whole family will love. It’s a perfect weeknight solution when you’re craving something satisfying that comes together with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal
• Versatile Protein Options: Works beautifully with ground chicken, turkey, or beef depending on what you have on hand
• Family-Friendly Fusion: Combines familiar flavors kids love (pasta and cheese) with the exciting taste of fajitas
• Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen
• Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjusted to suit both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors

Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: Provides a lighter protein base than beef but still delivers great flavor. Ground turkey works as an excellent substitution for an even leaner option.
• Bell Peppers: A colorful mix of green, red, and yellow peppers adds vibrant flavor, essential nutrients, and authentic fajita character to the dish.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation. Yellow onions work best, but red onions can add a pop of color and slightly different flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an irreplaceable depth of flavor. In a pinch, granulated garlic can work, but fresh is always preferred.
• Taco Seasoning: The shortcut to perfect Mexican-inspired flavor. Use store-bought for convenience or make your own blend for controlled ingredients and spice level.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the base for cooking the pasta and infuses it with flavor. Vegetable broth makes a suitable alternative.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity, flavor, and moisture. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Pasta: Medium shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best for catching the sauce. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang. Greek yogurt offers a protein-rich, lower-fat alternative.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides that irresistible melty, cheesy layer. Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully too.
• Cilantro: Adds fresh, vibrant finishing notes. If you’re in the cilantro-averse camp, substitute with fresh parsley.

Variations

Vegetarian Fajita Pasta

Transform this into a meatless wonder by replacing the ground chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or even crumbled extra-firm tofu. Add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms to boost the heartiness factor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

Spicy Chipotle Version

Kick up the heat by adding 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the mix when you add the tomatoes. This will add a deep, smoky heat that transforms the dish. Balance the spice with a bit more sour cream or even a drizzle of honey to create a sweet-heat combination.

Tex-Mex Upgrade

Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans and a cup of corn kernels when you add the tomatoes and broth. This adds texture, fiber, and authentic Tex-Mex flair. Top with diced avocado, lime wedges, and a dollop of salsa when serving for a fully loaded experience.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Chicken

Begin by heating oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook thoroughly, using a wooden spoon to break it apart into small pieces as it browns. This should take about 10 minutes, and you’re looking for the chicken to lose its pink color completely and develop some golden edges for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the sliced onions and colorful bell peppers to the cooked chicken. Continue cooking until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 10 minutes. The peppers should still have a slight bite to them – this textural contrast is part of what makes fajitas so appealing. In the last minute, add the chopped garlic and taco seasoning, stirring continuously to prevent burning while releasing their aromatics.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice, then add the dry pasta directly to the pan. Stir everything together, bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheese, mixing until everything is evenly combined and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and either cover with a lid for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese or place briefly under a broiler for a golden, bubbly top. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro over everything just before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the peppers – keeping a slight crispness provides better texture and more authentic fajita character
• For a thicker sauce, let the pasta dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking before serving
• Customize the cheese ratio according to your preference – more inside the pasta for creaminess or more on top for that stretchy, melty texture
• Prep all ingredients before starting to make the cooking process flow more smoothly, especially the chopping of vegetables
• If using a broiler for the cheese topping, watch carefully as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds
• For meal prep, you can slice all vegetables up to 2 days ahead and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator

How to Serve

Serve this Cheesy Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta hot from the pan in bowls or on plates. Set up a small toppings bar with extra sour cream, diced avocado, pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges to let everyone customize their serving. A side of simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette makes a perfect complement to balance the richness of the pasta. For a more substantial meal, serve with warmed tortillas or a side of black beans.

Make Ahead

This dish is perfect for make-ahead planning. You can prep all the vegetables and cook the ground chicken a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply start from Step 3, combining the pre-cooked ingredients with the broth, tomatoes, and pasta. The completed dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – simply reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For freezing, prepare the dish but don’t add the cheese topping; freeze in a casserole dish for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding cheese and reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any medium-sized pasta shape works well in this recipe. Penne, rotini, bowties, or shells are excellent choices. For a healthier option, whole wheat pasta works perfectly, though it may require a few extra minutes of cooking time. Just ensure you adjust the liquid and cooking time slightly based on the pasta type you choose.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for regular pasta. Be sure to check your taco seasoning, as some commercial blends contain gluten. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly as gluten-free pastas often cook differently than wheat-based ones. Additionally, verify that your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground chicken with two cans of drained, rinsed black beans or 2 cups of crumbled extra-firm tofu. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. The cooking process remains the same, but you may want to add extra spices like smoked paprika to compensate for the flavor that meat typically provides.

How spicy is this dish?

With the ingredients listed, this dish has a mild to medium spice level, depending on your taco seasoning. For a milder version, use a mild taco seasoning and make sure your diced tomatoes aren’t the “with chilies” variety. To increase heat, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or include red pepper flakes when adding the taco seasoning.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta represents the best of both worlds – the exciting flavors of Mexican cuisine combined with the comfort of a creamy pasta dish. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. The balance of protein, vegetables, and satisfying carbs makes it a complete meal in one pan, while the customization options ensure everyone at your table will be satisfied. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this foolproof dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a regular request in your meal rotation!

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