Cheesy Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta: A One-Pan Tex-Mex Comfort Meal
For those longing for the vibrant, tangy tastes of chicken fajitas while enjoying the comfort and ease of a filling pasta dish, Cheesy Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is the ideal answer. This one-pan marvel fuses the smoky seasonings of classic fajitas with creamy, cheesy pasta for a delicious meal that can be prepared in just 45 minutes. Perfect for hectic weeknights or relaxed gatherings, this recipe is both flexible and tasty.
What Makes This Recipe Irresistible
Cheesy Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta combines the finest elements of two cuisines—Tex-Mex and comforting Italian fare. It’s:
- Fast and straightforward: With merely 10 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of cooking time, you can have dinner ready in under an hour.
- One-pan ease: Fewer dishes result in less cleanup, allowing more time to savor your meal.
- Adaptable: Change proteins, modify spice levels, or make it gluten-free to fit your preferences.
- Kid-approved: The creamy cheese, soft pasta, and colorful vegetables appeal to both children and adults.
Ingredient Details
This dish is brimming with nutritious ingredients and vibrant flavors:
- Ground chicken: Lean and packed with protein, it’s perfect for soaking up the fajita spices.
- Bell peppers and onions: Essential fajita veggies that contribute color, crispness, and sweetness.
- Garlic and taco seasoning: These create the flavorful base with a blend of smoky, spicy, and savory tastes.
- Chicken broth and diced tomatoes: Form a tasty cooking liquid that infuses the pasta during simmering.
- Pasta: Choose your preferred shape—penne, rotini, or gluten-free options all work wonderfully.
- Sour cream and cheese: These ingredients add creaminess and depth, turning the dish into a cheesy pleasure.
- Cilantro: A fresh, herbal touch that brightens the entire meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Brown the meat: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook for around 10 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Sauté the veggies: Incorporate onion and bell peppers. Cook until soft, roughly 10 minutes.
- Season: Add garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Simmer the pasta: Mix in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
- Add creaminess: Stir in sour cream and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until melted, or broil for a golden finish.
Optional Additions and Variations
This recipe is extremely flexible:
- Spice it up: Incorporate diced jalapeño or poblano peppers along with the bell peppers for an extra kick.
- Change the tomatoes: Replace diced tomatoes with 2 cups of your favorite salsa for a zestier flavor.
- Protein alternatives: Swap out ground turkey or beef for the chicken.
- Make it extra creamy: Opt for Greek yogurt or heavy cream instead of sour cream for a different texture.
- Enhance the presentation: Top with avocado, lime wedges, or a spoonful of guacamole for a special touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each serving (calculated based on 4 servings total) provides:
- Calories: 614
- Fat: 40g (Saturated: 17g, Trans: 0.3g)