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To create your One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, you need some key items. Start with fresh chicken and colorful veggies. The spices add the perfect kick. Here’s the list: - 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, sliced into strips - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli works best) - 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices) These ingredients work together to make a tasty dish that is simple to prepare. You probably have some of these items at home already. They are essential for flavor and cooking. Here’s what you need: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cups chicken broth These pantry staples help create a rich and savory sauce for your pasta. To finish your dish, you’ll want some tasty garnishes. They add flavor and look great on the plate. Here are my favorites: - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish - Lime wedges for serving These add a burst of flavor and color, making your meal even more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making this easy weeknight meal. First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté these for about 5-6 minutes. You want them to become tender and slightly caramelized. This step adds great flavor. Next, add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for one more minute. This will help release the spices' flavors. Now, pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and add 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, stir in 8 oz of your choice of pasta. I recommend penne or fusilli for this dish. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 10-14 minutes. Stir occasionally, so the pasta cooks evenly and does not stick. After the pasta is al dente and the liquid has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Mix everything well. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cover for 2-3 minutes, letting the cheese melt. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta just right, adjust the spices. If you like it mild, use less chili powder. For heat, add more! You can also mix in extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne. This change gives a fun twist. For a fresh taste, squeeze lime juice over the dish before serving. To keep your pasta from getting mushy, watch the cooking time. Stir the pasta often as it simmers. Check for doneness at the 10-minute mark. If it’s still too firm, give it a few more minutes. The goal is pasta that is al dente, which means firm but not hard. For a fun presentation, serve your pasta in deep bowls. Top it with fresh cilantro or parsley for color. Add lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving. This adds a nice, melty look. Enjoy the fun of serving this dish! {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken for other proteins. Use beef strips for a heartier taste. Shrimp is quick and adds a fresh, seafood twist. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu. They soak up the flavors well, making the dish just as tasty. Feel free to add more veggies to boost nutrition. Zucchini, corn, or spinach work wonderfully. You could also toss in black beans for extra protein. Top it with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch. To make your pasta creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese. For a spicier kick, throw in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjusting the seasoning can also change the flavor. Just remember to taste as you go! For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe. To store your One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. This way, it can last for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even warming. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir often until it's heated through. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. In the fridge, One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta lasts about four days. If you freeze it, aim to eat it within three months for the best taste. After that, it might lose some quality. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta in this recipe. Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and is healthier. It has more fiber than regular pasta. When using it, adjust the cooking time. Whole wheat pasta may need a few extra minutes to cook. Check for doneness frequently to avoid mushiness. This recipe is not gluten-free with regular pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free. Just swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free penne or fusilli options. Also, ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the pasta and sauce as usual. Store it in the fridge after it cools. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist. This makes for a quick and easy meal on busy nights. In this blog post, we covered essential ingredients, from chicken and pasta to herbs and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining flavors. We discussed helpful tips for perfecting taste and served ideas to impress. You also learned about variations using different proteins and vegetables, plus storage techniques for leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity. Enjoy making this dish your own, and savor every bite!

One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Savor the flavors of One-Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta with this quick and delicious recipe! Featuring tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy cheese topping, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines hearty ingredients and spices for an unforgettable meal. Click through to discover how to make this savory dish and impress your family tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, sliced into strips

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

3 cups chicken broth

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli works best)

1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

    In the same pot, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

      Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes along with the juices. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

          Once boiling, add the pasta to the pot. Stir well and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced slightly.

            Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Top with the shredded cheese and cover for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.

              Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls with lime wedges on the side and a sprinkle of additional cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.