This One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta brings together the bold Tex-Mex flavors you love with the comfort of a creamy pasta dish — all made in a single pot for an easy weeknight win. Tender chicken, caramelized peppers and onions, and warm spices simmer together with penne pasta in milk, creating a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite. Finished with melty pepper Jack cheese, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a cozy dinner that’s ready in under an hour, this creamy fajita pasta delivers every time!
⭐ Recipe Highlights
- One pot = easy cleanup
- Bold Tex-Mex flavor in a creamy sauce
- Family-friendly and weeknight approved
- Ready in under an hour
🕒 Total Time: 52 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 4
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil
- 3 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 5 cups milk (1¼ L)
- 4 cups penne pasta (400 g)
- 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese (100 g)
🍳 Instructions
- Sear the chicken
Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until golden and no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside. - Cook the vegetables
Add bell peppers and onion to the pot. Sauté for about 6 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. - Season everything
Return the chicken to the pot. Add salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir for about 30 seconds to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. - Add milk and pasta
Pour in the milk and add the penne. Stir well to prevent sticking. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the milk has reduced into a creamy sauce. - Melt the cheese
Add shredded pepper Jack and stir until melted and smooth. - Serve and enjoy!
Dish it up hot and garnish with extra cheese, cilantro, or lime wedges if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice for brightness
- Sliced jalapeños for heat
- A dollop of sour cream
- Warm tortillas on the side
🔥 Tips for Success
- Stir the pasta during cooking to prevent sticking.
- Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce.
- Add extra veggies like corn or tomatoes for more color and flavor.
- Shred your own cheese — it melts better than pre-shredded.
✨ Final Thoughts
This one-pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is everything we love about Tex-Mex and comfort food combined in one easy, irresistible dish. Rich, creamy, and filled with bold spices, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bookmark for busy nights or anytime you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.