Save This creamy Alfredo Chicken Fajita Pasta is the ultimate weeknight fusion for when you cannot decide between Tex-Mex and Italian. A velvety Parmesan sauce wraps around smoky&marinated chicken strips, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a bold, comforting dinner with the best of both worlds.
When I first discovered this creamy twist on fajitas, it was an instant hit. The tang of the peppers with the rich Alfredo is now my family’s new top request on pasta night.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast strips: Boneless and skinless chicken soaks up all the bold Tex&Mex spices nicely
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade stick and keeps the chicken juicy
- Chili powder: Lends smokiness and heat to the flavor base
- Smoked paprika: Boosts that grilled&like aroma look for the deepest red color when selecting
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth common in fajitas pick fresh ground for best results
- Garlic powder: Deepens savory flavor when using dried make sure it is fresh and not clumped
- Salt and black pepper: Rounds out the seasoned chicken
- Red yellow and green bell peppers: A colorful trio for classic fajita crunch and sweetness choose firm and shiny for best results
- Red onion: Adds bite and balances the sweetness of peppers avoid soft spots
- Fresh garlic: Minced for a fragrant flavor boost aim for plump cloves with tight skins
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine both work here look for bronze&cut pasta if possible for better sauce cling
- Unsalted butter: The base for Alfredo be sure it smells sweet and not sharp
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth choose high&fat cream for best results
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts smoother and gives the best nutty flavor
- Cream cheese: Thickens and adds tang make sure it is fully softened before using
- Parsley: For brightness and a fresh finish flat&leaf is best
- Lime: For serving optional but adds zing and cuts the richness
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine chicken breast strips with olive oil chili powder smoked paprika cumin garlic powder salt and pepper. Massage everything together and let it sit for at least ten minutes. This infuses the chicken with strong Tex&Mex flavor and keeps it moist.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package until al dente. Do not forget to reserve a quarter cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium&high heat. Once hot spread the marinated chicken in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about five to seven minutes until browned and cooked through to the center. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside you want all those tasty browned bits to stick around for flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet with a splash of olive oil if needed cook the bell peppers and red onion over medium&high heat. Sauté for four to five minutes until softened but still vibrant. Add the minced garlic in the last minute for best aroma and avoid burning.
- Create Alfredo Sauce:
- Turn the heat to medium and add the butter letting it melt completely. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk in the softened cream cheese until the mixture becomes smooth. You want to keep the sauce moving to prevent sticking.
- Add the Cheese:
- Little by little add the grated Parmesan while stirring constantly. This will help the cheeses melt evenly into the cream and thicken the sauce without clumping. Taste and season with salt and fresh black pepper.
- Bring It Together:
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything vigorously to coat using tongs. Add reserved pasta water slowly until the sauce reaches your ideal consistency creamy but not too thick.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Add lime wedges on the side for squeezing if you want a citrusy lift.
Save I always look forward to adding fresh lime at the table because the citrus balances the creaminess and brightens every bite. One time my youngest mistook the pepper strips for candy and it has been a running joke at our family dinners ever since.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days just store in an airtight container. When reheating add a splash of milk or cream to make the sauce silky again. This pasta also holds up well for next&day lunch boxes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Shrimp or tofu make excellent swaps for chicken if you want seafood or vegetarian options. Feel free to try other cheeses such as Asiago or a little Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. If you are gluten free use your favorite gluten free penne.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is hearty on its own but a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread makes it a meal to remember. I also like offering avocado slices and quick&pickled onions to echo those fajita sides.
Cultural and Historical Context
This fusion recipe brings together creamy Alfredo sauce from Italian&American kitchens and the peppers and spices of Tex&Mex fajitas. You get all the fun of sizzling fajitas with the satisfaction of a big bowl of pasta.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer swap the peppers for grilled zucchini and corn for a sweet crunch Spring asparagus and peas make the dish lighter and more vibrant In winter roast the peppers ahead for a richer flavor
Save Whether you are serving this Alfredo Chicken Fajita Pasta for family dinners or weekday leftovers every bite offers comforting flavor without fuss. If you are new to homemade Alfredo you will be amazed by the difference freshly grated cheese makes in creaminess and taste. I have made it many times and each time it disappears faster than expected so do not be afraid to double the batch if you want leftovers.
Cooking Guide
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well with these flavors and sauce.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with tofu or vegetables, and use the same seasonings for a hearty meatless option.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Increase chili powder, add jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne for more heat; reduce for a milder dish.
- → Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, prepare components in advance and toss together before serving. Reheat gently to maintain sauce texture.
- → What goes well as a side?
Try garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables to complement the creamy and spicy pasta.
- → Is it possible to swap chicken for seafood?
Absolutely. Shrimp or sliced fish fillets can be seasoned and cooked in place of chicken for a different twist.