Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake
+8 photos

Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake

6 servings
This family-friendly dinner comes together in just 30 minutes. It's incredibly creamy and cheesy, featuring tender sautéed onions and peppers, and savory rotisserie chicken pieces all infused with the comforting and familiar flavors of fajita spices.

Ingredients

  • penne pasta

    about 2 cups

    8 oz
  • neutral cooking oil

    such as canola

    3 tbsp
  • green bell pepper

    sliced1 small orange bell pepper, sliced1 small red bell pepper, sliced, about 1 cup

    1 small
  • orange bell pepper

    sliced, about 1 cup

    1 small
  • red bell pepper

    sliced, about 1 cup

    1 small
  • red onion

    sliced, about 2 cups

    1 large
  • garlic cloves

    finely chopped

    2
  • fajita seasoning

    such as mccormick, from one 1.12-ounce package

    3 tbsp
  • shredded rotisserie chicken

    about 12 ounces

    3 c
  • heavy whipping cream
    1 ½ c
  • pepper jack cheese

    shredded and divided, about 2 cups

    8 oz
  • chopped fresh cilantro

    for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 F.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add 8 ounces penne pasta (about 2 cups) and cook for 2 minutes less than indicated in the package directions. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add 1 small green bell pepper, sliced , 1 small orange bell pepper, sliced , and 1 small red bell pepper, sliced and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, 2 to 3 minutes.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Add 1 large red onion, sliced to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions and peppers are softened, about 4 more minutes.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Stir in 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning and 3 cups (about 12 ounces) shredded rotisserie chicken , stirring to combine.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Pour in 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream and reserved 1/2 cup pasta water . Bring to a simmer over medium, stirring often. Simmer, stirring often, until the sauce is slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Stir the cooked pasta and 1 cup (4 ounces) of the pepper Jack into the mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup (4 ounces) pepper Jack evenly over top.

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and broil until the sauce is bubbling and the top is starting to brown, about 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot. This recipe was developed by Nicole Hopper

    Step 8
Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake
+8

Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake

30 min6 servings653 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a dinner that’s both comforting and packed with vibrant flavor, yet ready in a flash? This Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake delivers on all fronts, bringing together the best of cheesy pasta and savory fajitas in one irresistible dish.

This recipe shines by solving the weeknight dinner dilemma. It cleverly uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, dramatically cutting down on prep time. The tender sautéed bell peppers, sweet red onion, and fragrant garlic meld beautifully with a generous blend of fajita spices, ensuring every bite is bursting with familiar, delightful flavors.

Prepare for a rich and satisfying meal that’s both creamy and cheesy. You'll enjoy tender penne pasta intertwined with succulent shredded rotisserie chicken, sweet bell peppers, and savory red onion, all coated in a velvety cream sauce.

Infused with robust fajita seasoning and bound together with plenty of melty pepper jack cheese, this dish offers a delightful balance of warmth and mild spice. It feels much more elaborate than its easy preparation suggests, making it a truly rewarding experience for the home cook.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape—penne works beautifully, but fusilli or rotini would also hold the creamy sauce well. While pepper jack adds a nice zing, you could swap it for Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses for a milder profile. For extra heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be stirred into the sauce with the fajita seasoning.

This creamy chicken fajita pasta bake is perfect for a busy weeknight family dinner, offering a complete meal in one dish. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or warm tortillas for a fuller experience, and prepare for happy faces around the table.

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