If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta! Packed with vibrant colors, bold spices, and creamy goodness, this dish captures all the essence of classic fajitas while being incredibly easy to whip up in just one pot. Imagine tender pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce, combined with juicy ground chicken and fresh vegetables. It’s comfort food at its finest and perfect for busy weeknights.
Let’s dive into why cooks rave about this dish, what you’ll need, and how to create your own masterpiece in the kitchen!
Why Cooks Rave About It
This One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience. The convenience of cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, making it a favorite for busy home cooks. The combination of flavors from the spices and fresh ingredients creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily adapt it based on your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand.
What You’ll Need
To make this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground lean chicken
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1-1/4 cups chicken stock
- 8 ounces dried pasta
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Toolbox for This Recipe
Here are a few kitchen tools you will need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven – This is where all the magic happens!
- Wooden spoon – For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure perfect flavor balance.
- Knife and cutting board – For prepping your veggies.
Directions: One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the spices, allowing those flavors to bloom for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Liquids
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken stock, mixing everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the dried pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and let it cook according to the pasta package directions, usually around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture appears too thick, you can add a little more chicken stock or water as needed.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and shredded Mexican blend cheese until everything is creamy and well combined.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta with freshly minced cilantro. Serve hot, and enjoy the delightful flavors of a classic fajita in pasta form!
Variations by Season
Feel free to switch things up based on what’s in season or what you have in your pantry:
- Summer: Add in fresh corn and zucchini for a light touch.
- Fall: Incorporate butternut squash for a sweet twist.
- Winter: Use hearty greens like kale or spinach for added nutrients.
- Spring: Toss in fresh cherry tomatoes and asparagus for a burst of freshness.
Things That Go Wrong
Sometimes, even the best recipes can have hiccups. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Overcooking the pasta can lead to mushy texture. Make sure to check the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time.
- If the mixture is too thick, it may dry out. Always have extra chicken stock or water handy to adjust the consistency.
- Not seasoning enough can lead to bland pasta. Adjust your spices according to your taste preferences.
How to Store & Reheat
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, as this dish is delicious!), here’s how to keep them:
- Storing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even diced chicken breast would work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the meat you choose.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based protein or extra beans, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian option.
What type of pasta works best?
Any short pasta works well, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
Can I freeze One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If you love this One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta, you’ll want to check out these delightful recipes:
In Closing
This One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta is not only a satisfying meal but also a celebration of flavors and convenience. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a hearty meal that will have your family asking for more. Happy cooking!
One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the spices, allowing those flavors to bloom for about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken stock, mixing everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the dried pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and let it cook according to the pasta package directions, usually around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture appears too thick, you can add a little more chicken stock or water as needed.
- Once the pasta is cooked al dente, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and shredded Mexican blend cheese until everything is creamy and well combined.
- Top your One Pot Ground Chicken Fajita Pasta with freshly minced cilantro. Serve hot, and enjoy the delightful flavors of a classic fajita in pasta form!
Notes
- Adjust spices according to your taste preferences for a customized flavor.
- Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
