One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner)
If you’re craving bold Tex-Mex flavors but don’t want to deal with a sink full of dishes or a complicated recipe, this One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner) is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy, smoky sauce — all simmered together in one single pot. It’s comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
Weeknights can feel chaotic. Between work, errands, and family time, dinner often becomes an afterthought. That’s where this One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner) truly shines. It’s fast, fuss-free, and ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish. No juggling multiple pans. No complicated steps. Just bold flavors and minimal cleanup.
More breakfast ideas you’ll love
This recipe brings together the classic taste of sizzling chicken fajitas with the creamy comfort of pasta, creating a hybrid meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s the kind of dinner that pleases picky eaters, spice lovers, and everyone in between.
If you’re searching for a go-to meal that’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and perfect for leftovers, keep reading — because this dish might just become your new weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner)
There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons.
First, it’s a true one-pot meal. Everything cooks together in a single Dutch oven or deep skillet, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. That alone makes it a winner on busy evenings.
Second, the flavors are unbeatable. The smoky fajita seasoning blends with sweet bell peppers, tender chicken, and creamy sauce to create something bold and comforting at the same time.
Third, it’s incredibly quick. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, homemade dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
And finally, it’s versatile. You can make it spicier, lighter, dairy-free, or veggie-loaded with simple swaps.
Here’s what makes it special:
-
One pot = easy cleanup
-
30 minutes total time
-
Family-friendly flavors
-
Protein-packed and filling
-
Great for meal prep
-
Customizable heat level
What Is One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner)?
At its core, One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner) combines two comfort food favorites: classic chicken fajitas and creamy pasta.
Traditional fajitas feature seasoned chicken or beef cooked with peppers and onions, often served in tortillas. This recipe transforms those same flavors into a creamy pasta dish by cooking everything together with chicken stock, tomatoes, cream, and farfalle pasta.
The pasta absorbs the smoky, savory broth while cooking, creating a rich sauce naturally without needing extra steps. The result is a creamy, slightly tangy, deeply flavorful dish that tastes like fajitas and pasta had the perfect dinner baby.
It’s Tex-Mex comfort food at its best.
Prep & Cook Time
-
Prep: 10 minutes
-
Cook: 20 minutes
-
Total: 30 minutes
Perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited but you still want something homemade.
Servings
-
4 generous servings
(Easily doubled for larger families or meal prep)
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American–Mexican (Tex-Mex inspired)
Ingredients
Main
-
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
-
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
-
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning)
-
1 yellow onion, diced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
-
1 green bell pepper, sliced
-
1 red bell pepper, sliced
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes
-
8 oz dried bow tie pasta (farfalle)
-
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
-
Lime wedges
-
Sour cream
-
Sliced green onions
-
Chopped cilantro
Equipment
-
Dutch oven or large deep skillet
-
Wooden spoon
Step-By-Step Method
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with half the fajita seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes.
Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add remaining oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers with the rest of the seasoning until softened. Stir in garlic briefly for extra flavor.
Remove and set aside with the chicken.
3. Cook the Pasta
Add chicken stock, heavy cream, tomatoes, and pasta directly to the pot. Season and stir.
Bring to a boil, then simmer covered until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Combine Everything
Return chicken and veggies to the pot. Stir until creamy and heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top with lime, cilantro, green onions, or sour cream. Serve warm and enjoy.
The Secret to Perfect Flavor
The reason One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner) tastes so incredible comes down to technique.
When pasta cooks directly in seasoned broth rather than plain water, it absorbs every bit of flavor. Instead of draining liquid away, the starch from the pasta thickens the sauce naturally, creating a creamy consistency without needing lots of cheese or flour.
Also, cooking the chicken and vegetables first builds browned bits on the bottom of the pot. When you add liquid, those bits dissolve, adding rich depth and smoky notes to the final dish.
That’s the magic of one-pot cooking.
Helpful Tips for Success
-
Cut chicken evenly for faster cooking
-
Don’t overcook pasta
-
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
-
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
-
Add broth if sauce thickens too much
Delicious Variations
One of the best parts about One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner) is how easy it is to customize.
Spicy Version
Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce.
Cheesy Version
Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
Lighter Version
Use half-and-half or milk instead of cream.
Low Carb
Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
Vegetarian
Replace chicken with mushrooms or black beans.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.
Fridge
Store up to 4 days.
Reheat
Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating.
Freeze
Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
PrintOne Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner)
This One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is a warm, comforting meal packed with bold fajita flavors. Juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and tender pasta cook together in a creamy, smoky sauce — all in one pot for easy cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Main
-
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
-
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
-
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning)
-
1 yellow onion, diced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
-
1 green bell pepper, sliced
-
1 red bell pepper, sliced
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes
-
8 oz dried bow tie pasta (farfalle)
-
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
-
Lime wedges
-
Sour cream
-
Sliced green onions
-
Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with half the fajita seasoning. Cook for about 4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining oil to the same pot. Add onion and bell peppers with the rest of the seasoning. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Pour in chicken stock, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle boil. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Return chicken and vegetables to the pot. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through and creamy.
Top with green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a spoonful of sour cream. Serve warm.
Notes
-
Cut chicken evenly for faster, even cooking.
-
For extra spice, add chili flakes or jalapeños.
-
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
-
Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue softening in the sauce.
-
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
-
Calories: 830 kcal
-
Protein: 55g
-
Carbohydrates: 60g
-
Fat: 42g
-
Fiber: 5g
Serving Ideas
Pair your One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner) with:
-
Simple green salad
-
Garlic bread
-
Roasted vegetables
-
Cornbread
-
Tortilla chips and salsa
Common Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, they’re juicier and flavorful.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger pot.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes — penne, rotini, or shells work great.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Families
This meal checks all the boxes: fast, filling, flavorful, and easy to clean up. Kids love it. Adults love it. And you don’t have to spend hours cooking.
That’s why One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner) earns a permanent spot in any weekly meal rotation.
Final Thoughts
When life gets busy, dinner shouldn’t be stressful. Recipes like One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner) prove that you can still enjoy bold, homemade flavors without spending all evening in the kitchen.
With juicy seasoned chicken, colorful veggies, tender pasta, and a creamy Tex-Mex sauce all cooked together in one pot, this dish delivers comfort, convenience, and crave-worthy flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply want something easy and delicious, this recipe is a reliable choice you’ll come back to again and again.