Let me tell you about my go-to weeknight wonder: Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta! This dish is not just quick to whip up—taking only about 30 minutes—but it’s also packed with vibrant flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance! Imagine tender pasta coated in a savory mix of seasoned ground chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty tomatoes; it’s like a fiesta in a bowl! I remember the first time I made this for my family. They were skeptical at first, but after the first bite, my kids were asking for seconds—and trust me, that’s a win in my kitchen! This recipe has become a staple because it’s both satisfying and healthy, perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something delicious and comforting. Let’s dive into it!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish. Don’t worry, they’re all easy to find!
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (I love using a mix of colors for a pop!)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade—your choice!)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start cooking; it’ll make everything flow so much smoother!
How to Prepare Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for your penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
While the pasta’s cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the ground chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through. You want it to be nice and crumbly; trust me, it makes a difference in texture!
Next, add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften up and get a little caramelized. The colors will start to brighten up your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to dive right in! Stir in the minced garlic and fajita seasoning and let it cook for another minute to release those incredible aromas.
Now, here comes the magic: add the can of diced tomatoes and the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. This is where the flavors meld together beautifully!
Finally, mix in the cooked pasta and shredded cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and coats each piece of pasta, creating that creamy goodness. Serve it hot, and be ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t skip on the seasoning—fajita seasoning is key for that authentic flavor, so taste as you go and adjust if needed. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps it brown nicely instead of steaming. If you like a little kick, toss in some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. And remember, for a creamier texture, you can always add a splash more chicken broth or a dollop of sour cream at the end. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each serving of my Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta. You can expect about 450 calories, 15g of fat, and a hearty 30g of protein. Of course, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
FAQ Section
Can I use turkey instead of ground chicken? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute and works just as well in this Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta. It’ll still be delicious!
What if I don’t have fajita seasoning? No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. It’s super simple and gives a great flavor!
Can I add more vegetables? Yes, please do! Feel free to throw in corn, zucchini, or even spinach. The more veggies, the better—and they’ll add extra nutrients!
Is this dish freezer-friendly? Yes! You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
How can I make this dish spicier? If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper while cooking. You can also top it with hot sauce before serving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Packed with bold, savory flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy ingredients that make for a satisfying meal.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or spice levels!
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Variations
There are so many fun ways to mix things up with this Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta! If you’re in the mood for something different, try using ground beef or even shrimp for a change of pace. For a veggie-packed version, add in some black beans or swap in roasted sweet potatoes—yum! Want more crunch? Toss in some fresh corn or sliced zucchini. And if you’re feeling adventurous with the spice level, consider adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that extra kick. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (which is likely because this dish is so tasty!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to help bring back that lovely creaminess. If you prefer the microwave, pop it in for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through before diving back in. Enjoy every last bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or try making one-pan lemon herb salmon for a quick dinner option!
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Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta: 5 Flavorful Reasons to Love It
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A flavorful and quick dish combining ground chicken, fajita spices, and pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground chicken, cooking until browned.
- Add the onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and fajita seasoning. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Fajita Pasta