I made this Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe on a busy weeknight, and honestly, it surprised me how comforting and bold it tasted with such simple steps. I love recipes that feel indulgent but don’t require fancy skills, and this one checks that box perfectly. The creamy sauce wraps around the pasta, while the fajita-seasoned chicken and peppers bring so much flavor.

After one bite, I knew this would become a repeat dinner in my kitchen. If you enjoy cozy, skillet-style meals, this recipe is going to win you over fast. You can also enjoy similar comfort with a French Chicken Casserole Recipe for variety during the week.

Ingredients

Here’s everything I used, along with small tips I learned while cooking to help you get the best flavor and texture.

Chicken breast – 1 lb, boneless and skinless
Lean chicken works best here and cooks quickly without becoming greasy.
Fajita seasoning – 2 tablespoons
This blend adds smoky, spicy depth; homemade or store-bought both work well.
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Helps sear the chicken and vegetables evenly while adding subtle richness.
Bell peppers – 2 medium (any color), sliced
Fresh peppers give sweetness and crunch; avoid frozen ones as they release too much water.
Yellow onion – 1 medium, sliced
Adds natural sweetness and balances the spices in the dish.
Pasta (penne or rotini) – 12 oz
Short pasta with ridges holds the creamy sauce better than smooth noodles.
Cream cheese – 4 oz
Softened cream cheese creates a smooth, velvety sauce without needing heavy cream.
Chicken broth – 1 cup
Adds savory flavor and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese – 1 cup
Melts smoothly and complements the fajita flavors without overpowering them.
Salt – to taste
Adjust at the end since fajita seasoning already contains salt.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 4 generous servings based on the ingredient quantities listed.

Variations

This creamy chicken fajita pasta is flexible, which is one reason I enjoy making it often. For a twist, you can try serving it alongside hearty meals like Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs Recipe for a protein-packed pairing. For a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use a plant-based shredded cheese that melts well.

If you want extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a veggie-forward option, reduce the chicken by half and add mushrooms or zucchini. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta without changing the sauce.

Cooking Time

This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet – for cooking chicken, vegetables, and sauce together
Pasta pot – to boil the pasta evenly
Cutting board – for slicing chicken and vegetables
Sharp knife – ensures clean cuts for even cooking
Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring without scratching the pan

How to Make Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe?

This recipe flows smoothly from prep to plate, and everything comes together in one main skillet.

Prepare the Pasta

Start by boiling the pasta in salted water until al dente. I always cook it just shy of done because it finishes cooking in the sauce later. Drain and set it aside while you prepare the rest.

Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin strips and coat them evenly with fajita seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until it’s browned and fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet to keep it juicy.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced peppers and onions. Cook them until they soften slightly but still hold some texture. The leftover seasoning in the pan adds extra flavor to the vegetables.

Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and add cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. This step is key to getting that creamy consistency without lumps.

Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and stir until everything is well coated and creamy. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up some helpful tricks that really improve the final result.

I always grate cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded for smoother melting.
I let the cream cheese soften at room temperature so it blends faster.
I don’t overcook the peppers because I like a little crunch in every bite.
I reserve a bit of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe?

This pasta looks and tastes great straight from the skillet, but I like to add small touches when serving. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds color and freshness. You can also top it with sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Serve it with warm garlic bread or a simple side salad to complete the meal.

Nutritional Information

This dish is filling and balanced, making it great for a complete dinner.

Calories: Provides satisfying energy per serving
Protein: High in protein from chicken and cheese
Carbohydrates: Comes mainly from pasta for sustained fuel
Fat: Balanced fats from cheese and olive oil

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can prep the chicken and vegetables a day in advance and store them in the fridge. This cuts down cooking time and makes dinner even faster.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta stays fresh for up to 3–4 days without losing much texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water. This helps restore the creamy texture of the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are plenty of reasons this creamy chicken fajita pasta earns a spot in your meal rotation.

It’s a one-skillet style meal that’s easy to clean up and cook.
The flavors are bold, creamy, and comforting without being heavy.
It’s versatile and easy to customize based on what you have.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

This creamy chicken fajita pasta recipe brings together comfort, convenience, and flavor in one satisfying dish. Once you try it, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to it again and again.

Ash Tyrrell